ANDREW PASSI SNR | 'Dogira Or - Institution of Meriam civilisation (sacred octopus mask)' | Clay / wood / cane / match bean / raffia

"Sacred octopus captured by a woman who speared it with excitement saying dogira or, meaning liver for husband dog; moral of the story is the institution of Meriam civilisation. A birth of a new cult where domination of jurisdiction extends North to Papua New Guinea, southwest to Cape York and southeast beyond Great Barrier Reef. The legacy lives on through many generations to come."

“My name is Andrew Passi (snr) and I am from Mer, or Murray Island in eastern Torres Strait and we are first tropical Island where the Great Barrier Reef begin it's 2,000+ km journey east to the Queensland coastline.

A dream of any artist is to be influenced by the beauty of nature. I was raised amongst traditional artists who were self-taught through interaction with others and their observations of tradition and customs.

My artwork is a collection of variety of resources and a collection of experiences.

From a young age I created a variety of artworks such as sketches, carvings and craft work, but most of all I was influenced by Elder artist Mr Segar Passi to take-up oil painting. My artworks are displayed at Townsville art gallery and Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island.” – Andrew Passi

ANDREW PASSI SNR | 'Dogira Or - Institution of Meriam civilation (sacred octopus mask)' | 2024 | Clay / wood / cane / match bean / raffia | 40 (h) x 50 (w) x 50 (d) cm