UMI Arts will launch its 2024 season of exhibitions this Friday, 15 March, with the official opening of its annual member showcase, You & Me.
You & Me 2024 is an exciting exhibition comprising 30 new artworks in various mediums and styles by 15 First Nations artists from across Far North Queensland, from Babinda and Yarrabah to Cairns, Mossman, Normanton, and the Torres Strait Islands.
UMI Arts Exhibition Officer Robyne Pacey said You & Me is an annual group members’ exhibition showcasing the rich artistic diversity in the First Nations art and culture in Far North Queensland.
“UMI is a Creole word that means “you and me”. This is significant because we must work together to keep our culture strong,” Ms Pacey said.
“From an exhibition perspective, You & Me encapsulates UMI Arts’ mission and philosophy – providing artists with support and pathways to create art of an exhibition standard.”
According to Ms Pacey, the quality of work featured in this year’s exhibition is outstanding, and she urges anyone interested in expanding their collection or investing in their first piece of Indigenous art to come along to the opening.
“While many of our participating artists do not live locally, we will host a small group at our opening event this Friday.
“When artists talk to their artwork and share culture and stories with visitors and guests, a meaningful exchange occurs, and the overall experience becomes special and memorable,” she said.
You & Me 2024 exhibiting artists are:
Solace BARNABY, Trish BARNARD (Yambina), Wayne CONNOLLY (Kuku Yalanji and Kuku Taipan; Yarrabah Art Centre), Holly DOUGLAS, Kaissia DICK (Kuku Yalanji), Kevin EDMONDSTONE (Yidinji), Dorothy EDWARDS (Kokoberrin, Cape York Peninsula), Chloe MCGILVARY (Kurtijar), Lisa MICHL KO-MANGGÉN (Kokoberrin, Cape York Peninsula), Rhys MILES (Kuku Yalanji, Gungandki & Butchulla), Anzak NEWMAN (Western Torres Strait Islands & Wulgurukaba), Napoleon OUI (Djabugay), Kassandra SAVAGE (Waanyi and Kurtijar), Taheega SAVAGE (Waanyi and Kurtijar) and Gwen THOMAS.
The UMI Arts You & Me 2024 exhibition will officially open on Friday, 15 March 2024, from 6 pm, with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country from 6.15 pm. Register attendance via email: exhibitions@umiarts.com.au
You & Me 2024 is open to the public from 15 March to 10 May 2024 and can be viewed from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm at UMI Arts, 4 Jensen Plaza Gallery, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Discounted tours for TNQ visitors and Australian-first First Nations student research conference.
