MATILDA NONA | 'Kaziw Imay Kisay' | Linocut / Natural Pigments

“The woman of Torres Strait believe the ocean plays a big part during child birth. It is believed that while in labour we are connected to the ocean. The birth contractions begins when the tide is low and when the tide starts rising the labour starts. When the tide reaches its highest capacity, that’s when the birth takes place. We are guided by our malu totem. Due to the strong connections to our totems, the totems are aware of the birthing process taking place and show signs. If it’s a slow rising tide the birthing will be a long process compared to if the tide is rising fast meaning you will have a quick labour.”

MATILDA NONA | 'Kaziw Imay Kisay' | 2025 | Linocut / Natural Pigments | 57 (cm) x 75 (w) cm