Umbrella in Singapore
17/06/2014
Gail Mabo’s exhibition made a big impression in Singapore and she became the first Indigenous North Queenslander to have a solo exhibition at a High Commission in Singapore on June 11.
Mabo Kara Art featured 29 artworks, including works on canvas, paper and fabric. The 350 VIP guests included International Business owners, commercial art dealers, High Commissioners from various countries, investment consultants, the National Arts Council of Singapore and others with links to Australia. North Queensland and all of Australia can be proud of the significance of the “Unity” event, which was a celebration of Torres Strait Islander Culture.
Umbrella Studio Director Vicki Salisbury worked for over a year in partnership with High Commission staff to ensure the professionalism of the exhibition. The positive response from the audience to Gail and her artwork highlights the power of art to connect, build relationships and establish strategic networks for arts business. Audience reaction to this exhibition confirms the high quality of the artwork produced in North Queensland and the success an Umbrella Studio and the artist has achieved by connecting to international art lovers. The exhibition at the Australian High Commission runs through August 28.
In addition to attending the exhibition opening at the Australian High Commission, Gail Mabo and Umbrella Director Vicki Salisbury unveiled two massive wall murals that were created for the Campus of JCU Singapore. These works were originally printed as linocut prints for the Ngapa/Kai Kai series by Murris in Ink. They were reproduced as 6 meter murals in collaboration with JCU to promote links between the University’s two campuses in Townsville and Singapore.
