Douglas Tamwoy
Thupmul Clan, Gudang Yadhaykenu Tribe, Badu Island, Darnley Island • Artist
ARTIST STATEMENT
This star represents a Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait voyaging outrigger compass, reflecting the traditional navigation methods our people use to guide their journeys and travel across our reefs and waters.
The stars on the sail represent the knowledge passed down from our ancestors, who taught our people how to navigate by reading the stars in the sky and recognising landmarks across the land and sea. The four stars on the sail each hold important meaning, representing the four directions of our compass — North, South, East and West.
Image: Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2027 Collaborative Hero Artwork Commission: Superhighway – Country Sings to Stars Dancing. Digital mixed media. Created with Red Ochre Republic by First Nations designers Tarquin Singleton (Yirrganydji) and Sheree Jacobs (Meriam), with creative contributions from CIAF Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn (Angkamuthi and Yadhaykana) and artists Peggy Kasabad Lane (Saibai Koedal Awgadhalgal), Jack Wilkie-Jans (Waanyi, Teppathiggi and Tjungundji), Sandra Delaney (Nunagal, Goenbal and Ngugi, Quandamooka), Douglas Tamwoy (Thupmul Clan, Gudang Yadhaykenu Tribe, Badu & Erub Islands), Daphne de Jersey (Gangalidda, Waanyi and Garawa) and Sabrina Rose-Toby (Gangulu).