Artist Talk with Kate Robertson and special guest   Chief Alex Dawia

NorthSite Contemporary Arts (formerly KickArts) is a leading contemporary visual arts organisation that engages, supports and profiles artists in the Tropical Far North Queensland region including artists based in remote and regional communities across Cape York and the Torres Strait.Through our exhibitions, events and programs we provide enriching experiences for audiences.www.northsite.org.au

NorthSite Contemporary Arts

Join Artist Kate Robertson and  Chief Alex Dawia to discuss her exhibition Kuna Siuwai Pokong - Medicinal plants from Siwai

NorthSite Contemporary Arts Invites you to walk through Kate Robertson's exhibition, Kuna Siuwai Pokong - Medicinal plants from Siwai with the artist, discuss her artworks in discuss her artworks in concept and presentation. Arrive at NorthSite, Bulmba-ja 96 Abbott St, Cairns City at 11.45am for 12pm talk in gallery 2.Please sanitise and register your details at the entrance for COVID Contact Tracing via paper slip or QR code.RSVP via Eventbrite is necessary for all attendees. This exhibition chronicles plants and their medicinal properties from the Siwai region of Bougainville Island, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, through photographic light recordings.Concerned with the erosion of tacit traditional medicinal knowledge, Chief Alex Dawia of the Taa Lupumoiku Clan approached and invited Australian artist Kate Robertson to chronicle Siwai plant knowledge for preservation. Chief Jeffrey Noro of the Rura Clan, also from Siwai, joined their efforts, motivated by similar concerns to preserve tacit knowledge systems and provide positive recognition of their region.Over five years, the project has evolved to include photographic prints, an embroidered fabric panel and a published book to explore how cross-cultural projects can provide mutual benefits through repatriation and transparency. Ultimately, it is a holistic inquiry into how we might work together across territorial borders, cultures and skillsets to achieve a shared future.~ Click <a href="https://northsite.org.au/exhibitions/kuna-siuwai-pokong-medicinal-plants-from-siwai/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here </a>For more information about Kuna Siuwai Pokong - Medicinal plants from Siwai at NorthSite.We look forward to seeing you here!NorthSite Team

<blockquote>Ho mi ho kui ngung pekong tokunoi riku, hoko kukarei ho kui pokong tokunoi rihetong. Uwa ko, hoi nekong hongowa’a nahamong, ho kui pokong mi, ho pokong itikai yi haha’a roro ngo tawah. Ho korokoro rori hungyo, hoko musimang nekong toku topo inakarei. </blockquote><blockquote>(When you lose the traditional name, you lose the knowledge of the plant because the traditional name describes the functionality of the plant. Therefore, when we lose our language, we are bound to lose our biodiversity because we can no longer find the value in each plant). ”</blockquote><blockquote>- Dr Jeffrey Noro</blockquote>

<aside>Image Details: Kate Robertson, HONDO (detail), 2016, archival pigment print, 28.0 x 48.0 cm</aside>

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