Meriba Gidhal Exhibition at State Library of Queensland
By CHRISTIANE BIRKETT
February 12, 2010
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| Whales (1968). Watercolor and pencil on paper. Margaret Lowrie Collection. |
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| Amipuru (undated). Watercolor and pencil on paper. Margaret Lowrie Collection. |
Meriba Gidhal are words from the two main languages of the Torres Strait Islands. Placed together, the phrase means
our stories. Such narratives are presented in a special exhibition of the same name at the
State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Located on the fourth-floor Talbot Family Treasures Wall, the presentation of 67 items consists primarily of paintings and drawings, but also includes jewelry and other items. The objects come largely from the Margaret Lawrie Collection.
Torres Strait Island Paintings, Drawings and Art Objects
The exhibition itself is small but interesting, with works arranged along one wall of a long room. The first cabinet contains a map of the 120 or so islands, photographs, prints and newspaper article extracts. The main body of the display is made up of watercolors and pencil drawings, each beautifully executed. There are colorful marine drawings, including depictions of whales, crabs and string rays. Also on view are very detailed examples of weaving and a children's game. Fourteen items are on loan to the show, among them necklaces, spears, clapsticks and other objects used for ceremonial purposes.
Margaret Lawrie Collection Catalogue
Just inside the installation's entrance is a copy of the exhibition catalogue. As well as details on the individual items, the volume has information about Margaret Lawrie, who worked with the islanders from 1964 to 1973 and collected materials about their legends, languages and culture for many years. A short biography of Lowrie by her daughter, a description of the collection and facts about the exhibition are included. The importance of the Margaret Lawrie Collection is recognized by UNESCO and the Australian Memory of the World Register.
Documentary
Visitors can watch a documentary DVD that shows Strait Island scenery, flowers, landscape, music and dancing.
"Meriba Gidhal: Torres Strait Island Treasures of the Margaret Lawrie Collection" is on view at the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia from October 24, 2009 to February 28, 2010.