June 2022 marked 30 years since the High Court of Australia's groundbreaking Mabo decision, which confirmed native title and traditional ownership by Indigenous Australians. That's a milestone well worth commemorating, so the State Library of Queensland is spending a few months doing just that — and celebrating Eddie Koiki Mabo, the man behind it, in the process.
Running until Saturday, October 8, Legacy: Reflections on Mabo features work by 24 Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, all in the spirit of reconciliation. As co-curated by Mabo's daughter Gail Mabo with Dr Jonathan McBurnie and Kellie Williams, the showcase highlights both established and emerging creatives, with a particular focus on North Queensland talents.
The lineup of artists with pieces on display is impressive — starting with 2022 Archibald Prize-winner Blak Douglas plus Adam Geczy, and also including Elisa Jane Carmichael and Sonja Carmichael, Toby Cedar, Dian Darmansjah, Katina Davidson, Hayley Megan French, Marion Gaemers and Patricia Hoffie, among others.
Free to attend at the South Brisbane cultural institution, Legacy: Reflections on Mabo does exactly what its moniker promises — and, yes, that's a broad-ranging mission. So, expect to peer at works that cover Mabo's life, activism and politics alike.
Visitors can head by from 10am–5pm daily.
Images: Lewis James Media, 2022.