Family journey through time
A trip to Thursday Island seven years ago has led to a journey of discovery for Cairns artist Grace Lillian Lee whose latest work is on display at the Cairns Art Gallery.
GROWING up in Cairns, Grace Lillian Lee had little connection with her Torres Strait Island roots until she accompanied her father and grandmother to Thursday Island seven years ago.
“My Grandma was living in Cairns and hadn’t returned for 57 years. My dad was born on Thursday Island, but didn’t remember much about it. It wasn’t something that was inherent in my upbringing,” says the 29-year-old artist.
Travelling north for the unveiling of her great aunt’s tombstone introduced Grace to family she had never met and traditions she hadn’t been exposed to.
Her family was showered with handmade gifts – from woven mats and baskets to a dhari, the feather headdress worn by men when dancing.
“I am still on the journey, connecting with family and learning more about my family tree and how we all fit in.
“Every time I go back to the Torres Strait I get emotional. It’s exciting because I’m generally doing a project using fashion, but the other side is always very emotionally charged.”
A descendant of the Doolah family from Darnley Island, Grace is a mix of Torres Strait Islander, Malay, Chinese, English, German and Danish.
“My grandmother calls me Heinz 57,” Grace says. Her journey of discovery included learning about the humble coconut palm and its many possibilities through weaving, thanks to the instruction of Uncle Ken Thaiday Sr.
Its influence continues today through her trademark woven body sculptures.
“Creating a ‘weave’ has made it possible for me to connect with my lineage,” she says.
Grace says earlier generations were encouraged to conceal their indigenous identity.
“Society is in a more accepting place and I feel lucky I’m able to express myself using art and to show my Grandma I’m proud of who I am and where I come from. I want to explore how art, fashion and identity come together.”
Her latest work, A weave through time, is a collection of wearable art featuring three generations of Grace’s family and exploring the evolution of the weave.
It currently features in Artnow FNQ, an exhibition at Cairns Art Gallery and is one of four works in the exhibition which has been purchased for the Gallery’s Permanent Collection.
The exhibition Artnow FNQ is on display at Cairns Art Gallery, corner Abbott and Shields streets, until Sunday, February 18.