Brian Robinson’s exhibition ‘Tithuyli’ set to showcase a unique perspective of Torres Strait fantasy in Collie

An exhibition blending the sacred Torres Strait culture with the fantasy world of creative graphics is set to showcase in the South West later this year. Tithuyli, Moving with the Rhythm of the Stars, by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson will be on show at the Collie Art Gallery in association with Mossenson Galleries throughout the month of March. Robinson is a multi-skilled award-winning contemporary artist and recipient of the 2018 and 2020 Collie Art Prize, whose work includes painting, printmaking, sculpture and design presenting an “intoxicating world-view”. Born in 1973, Robinson grew up in the tropical surroundings of the Torres Strait Islands, between the tip of Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. He gained a strong influence from his culture and the myths and legends of the Torres Strait. The traditional motifs and natural carving ability of the islanders from these legends are reflected deeply in his style of work. The selection of prints and mixed media gathered for the Tithuyli exhibition reflect his fluid artistic expression, where the artworks invite viewers to witness the “islander imagination.” The graphic style of his work combines his Torres Strait Islander heritage with a strong passion for experimentation, in the theoretical approach and the medium, as well as crossing the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The mixed-media art depicts wide-eyed sea creatures, muscular warriors, stars in the heavens, broad petalled flowers, and hollow-eyed skulls, all sweeping through his work. Robinson’s Tithuyli exhibition will be showing at the Collie Art Gallery from March 5 and will be on show until April 17.