The Summer Show is a significant event for UMI Arts, marking the end of their exhibition calendar for the year.
The organisation is dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of First Nations people in the Far North, and this exhibition is a testament to their commitment.
The Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, which opened the exhibition, is a traditional practice that acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and pays respect to their ancestors.
It is a powerful way to begin the show and sets the tone for the celebration of First Nations culture that follows.
The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks, including visual art, bark painting, and jewellery. The artists have drawn inspiration from the vibrant summer season in the Far North, with its lush tropical landscapes and dynamic energy.
The result is a show filled with experimentation and new techniques, showcasing the creativity and talent of the artists. One of the highlights of The Summer Show is the range of affordable price points for the artworks.
This makes it accessible to a wide range of people, including those who may not have previously had the opportunity to purchase First Nations art.
The exhibition also welcomes a new member from the NPA region and several emerging artists who are growing their art practice.
Overall, The Summer Show is a colourful celebration of First Nations culture and the diverse environment of the Far North.
It is a fitting end to UMI Arts' exhibition calendar for the year and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting First Nations culture.
(Image: Colyn Huber)
UMI Arts' Exhibition Officer Robyne Pacey said The Summer Show is a timely exhibition in the lead-up to Christmas with artworks in a range of affordable price points from $15 to $715.
"The artists who created this vibrant show of works were asked to draw inspiration from the far northern summer and dynamic, electrical energy of the tropics," she said.
"They have done that wholeheartedly; many have bravely experimented with new techniques and styles.
"We are proud to welcome a new member from the NPA region and several emerging artists who previously featured in UMI Arts' youth exhibition, 'Culture through Our Eyes', and are now growing their art practice.
"With almost 50 quality artworks curated for exhibition in the UMI Arts gallery, The Summer Show is a colourful celebration of First Nations culture and the incredibly diverse environment we experience here in the Far North."
(Image: Colyn Huber)
The 2023 Summer Show will showcase the works of 19 talented First Nations artists. These artists include Solace Barnaby, Chyler Cohler, Kaissia Dick, Jinneecka Don, Dorothy Edwards, Elanie Hava, Alex Hava, Deborah Ludwick, Agnes Mark, Chloe Mcgilvary, Rhys Miles, Olivia Poochemunka, Constance Rovina, Kaylene Sambo, Cecelia Slade, Gwen Thomas, Michelle Weare, Eileen Williams, and Colina Wymarra.
The language groups represented in the exhibition range from Yarrabah, Gordonvale, Cairns to Cape.
