Brian Robinson

Lagalgal: the mysteries of our land 2022
vinylcut; edition 3/10
printed by Theo Tremblay
Courtesy of the artist and Mossenson Galleries, Perth

Artist statement:

Because of their seafaring lifestyle, Torres Strait Islanders have always relied on their sophisticated understanding of the stars, the seasons, the weather, the winds, and the currents both for navigation and for identifying appropriate times to gather, nurture or avoid food plants and animals. In Islander mythology, celestial beings known as Zugubal influence the environment and climate, which in turn sets the course and rhythm for community life.

In the western islands there are four seasons: surlal, which is dry season where gardening becomes one of the primary tasks; raz, when the runners on the yams began to grow; kuki, when strong winds blow from the north-west, accompanied by rain; and aibaud, which is the harvest season, when taro, sweet potato and wild yam are abundant and are ready to be harvested. The south-west wind begins to blow steadily.