Artist:
Ken Thaiday Senior
I am from Erub (Darnley Island) in the eastern islands of the Torres Strait. I like to make things different … I make mobilised artworks … It’s my style, my way, it’s me … That’s what I do. The knowledge is stronger when you learn from the Elders … My father taught me everything, he was one of the best choreographers in Erub, all my singing and dancing today is from him … I am glad I carry this culture; I will never stop and keep going all the time. My work represents Darnley Island … The shark and frigate bird are my totems, I make them … That’s what I am, an artist. I give glory to God, he give me the talent to make my art. I love my art, I love my culture, I will never let it go.
Jason Christopher
Clamshell with Hammerhead Shark (2013) and the Small Dari - Torres Strait Island Headdress with Shooting Star (2016) were produced as part of an ongoing artistic collaboration between Dr Ken Thaiday Snr and Jason Christopher. Their artistic collaboration began in 2013, and recent collaborations include a Dari installation for the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and Beizam Triple hammerhead Shark for the 20th Sydney Biennale.
Jason Christopher’s current PhD research explores contemporary art practice in the Torres Strait Islands and cross-cultural collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. His art practice examines the interaction between technology and automation and the displacement of traditional practices.
Photo: Zan Wimberley
Ken Thaiday Snr.
(Meriam Mer people)
Beizam headdress 2014
On loan from the artist and Australian Art Network Courtesy of the artist and Australian Art Network
Ken Thaiday Snr.
(Meriam Mer people)
Eastern Island Warrior Headdress 2014
Purchased 2016 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
Ken Thaiday Snr.
(Meriam Mer people)
Frigate Bird headdress 2014
Courtesy of the artist and Australian Art Network Courtesy of the artist and Australian Art Network
Dr Ken Thaiday Snr and Jason Christopher Clamshell with Hammerhead Shark (2013) and the Small Dari - Torres Strait Island Headdress with Shooting Star (2016)
Search for works by this artist in the national collection.
Ken Thaiday Snr. (Meriam Mer people)
