Cairns has just hosted a spectacular three day arts extravaganza: the fifth Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), featuring the work of numerous Queensland artists.
Set against a lush backdrop of forested hills, mangroves and blue seas, the artworks of the Indigenous artists were assembled within a cavernous cruise liner terminal.
Inside, the intense energy was palpable: an utterly proud and triumphant display.
The 2D artworks were invariably bold and unflinching, with strong decisive outlines. Never vague or uncertain, the works were sometimes intensely dark and brooding, and deeply political.
In others, the inevitable power and energy is deliciously juxtaposed with delicate and intricate colours and textures. Elegant, lyrical and redolent with consummate technique.
The sculptures bristle with barely restrained vigour, with many woven from abandoned ghost nets, featuring all colours from acidic yellow and oranges to bright cobalts and turquoise. These plastic pieces of net have drifted onto Australian beaches from as far away as Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/a-and-e/arts/an-australian-indigenous-arts...