Current exhibition #1

Billy Missi "Selected Collection"

Extended to Friday 6th August, 2010

Titled ‘Selected Collection’, an exhibition of recent works by Billy Missi is currently on show at the new UMI Arts gallery space. It's Billy’s seventh solo exhibition and features a collection of works including limited editions of new lino and coloured lithograph prints, original acrylics on canvas and sculptures.

Billy comes from Maluilgal country (Western Torres Strait). He is a part of the Wagedagam Tribe with the major totem of Kodal (crocodile) and an associate member to the Dhanghal (dugong) clan of Panai to the East and the Kaigas (shovel nose ray) clan of Geomu to the South on the Island of Mabuiag.

‘Selected Collection’ showcases Billy’s professional development as an artist, and the evolution of his work from print-making to other mediums. “This exhibition at UMI Arts gives me the opportunity to send my messages in new ways, using mediums that are new to me, such as painting and litho’s – much of which have been influenced by my past work in lino-cut”, says Billy.

Billy’s messages in this exhibition are informed by his upbringing and the vast collective knowledge of his grandfathers and uncles, as conveyed in historical stories about cultural ways, practices and values that have been handed down for generations via oral traditions. Billy has transformed these oral stories into what he calls “a visual state of art”. The works depict and express features of various cultural activities and items that are linked to daily survival. The works are grouped accordingly as Sagulal (ceremonies), Aiy lumaik (in search for food), Dhamu ya (in sea-grass beds), and other such themes.

With this exhibition, Billy hopes to provide Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences, locally, nationally and internationally with a glimpse at some of the cultural practices and traditions of the Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait).

The ‘Selected Collection’ exhibition runs until Friday 6th August. The new UMI Arts office and gallery space is located at 335 Sheridan Street, North Cairns. It's open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

For further information please contact UMI Arts on 07 4041 6152 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it