The Gabori Sisters: Gathering by the Sea, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art

The Children’s Art Centre presents an exciting interactive exhibition developed in collaboration with Kaiadilt artists Elsie, Amanda and Dorothy Gabori, daughters of one of Australia’s most loved contemporary artists Sally Gabori (Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda). ‘The Gabori Sisters: Gathering by the Sea’ was developed to coincide with ‘Dulka Warngiid – Land of All’, the major retrospective of their mother’s work recently on display at the Queensland Art Gallery (21 May – 28 August, 2016).

This vibrant exhibition takes children on a journey to the artists’ homeland of Bentinck Island in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria. Through specially designed interactive hands-on making and multimedia activities, young visitors will be introduced to the unique and important relationship the Kaiadilt people share with the sea and the creatures who inhabit the waters around the Island.

Ngaaka ngumbanda wurand? – What’s your totem?
Totems are an important part of the Kaiadilt culture. The sisters want to share these with young visitors by inviting them to answer a series of questions to determine their own animal totem. Children are able to create a patterned wristband by making a rubbing of their totem to wear while visiting the exhibition.

Malaa Marrwaa Ngankirriwathuruy – Let’s Gather Close By The Sea
In this activity children can learn more about the connection that the Gabori sisters share with the sea. Young visitors can reflect upon what the ocean means to them and draw a picture on a specially designed template.

Ngurruwarr – Rock Wall Fish Trap
Bentinck Island is surrounded by rock wall fish traps which the Kaiadilt people rely upon as a primary source of food. In this activity children are able to collage a template and add their creation to a ‘rock wall’ display. In the first half of the exhibition, children will build up the ecology of the rock wall with shells, coral and starfish. From 10 October the templates will be changed to include seahorse, turtle and octopus.

Yarkiya Malay – Underneath The Sea
In this site specific soft sculptural installation visitors will be immersed in an under the sea environment. The space features a spectacular array of felt sea creatures that have been specially created by the artists for this exhibition.

Kalajalaja Yakuriy – Fish Are Moving All Around
The waters of Bentinck Island are brought to life in this dynamic interactive animation. As young visitors walk through the space they can see themselves underwater and engage with various sea creatures that swim by. The animation features collaged paper creations made by local school students.

Mirrayalatha Marinda Malankarri – Build Your Own Humpy
The Gabori sisters have fond memories of building humpies as children. In this interactive tap game children will be able to create a shelter like those made by the artists and their family. Children can choose one of five locations on the Island to build their humpy and select materials to construct and decorate it.

Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is an art museum located in the South Bank precinct of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The gallery is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre.

Queensland Art Gallery was established in 1895 and moved to its current residence at South Bank in 1982. It was joined by the Gallery of Modern Art in 2006 and the galleries now house a globally significant collection of contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

Queensland Gallery of Modern Art is the Queensland Art Gallery’s second building, and is the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Australia. It complements the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) building, situated only 150 metres (490 ft) away. Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art also houses Australia’s first purpose built cinematheque. The building was designed by Sydney architecture firm Architectus.
your horizons.

Queensland Art Gallery is also home to a Children’s Art Centre that presents interactive artworks for kids and families, a cinema that celebrates film from around the world, plus gallery shops with art, books and cultural curios to take home. Every visit is a conversation starter, and our outdoor cafes and award-winning restaurant offer places for stimulating discussion.

So whatever your mood, there is always something to capture your interest. Curate your next outing by checking what’s on, or drop in to see what’s new.