LARA FUJII | 'Wapil Zura' | Acrylic on canvas

Badu Islander Lara Fujii blends family stories with natural elements to create acclaimed cultural artwork. Lara is from the Argan Tribe in the Torres Strait and recognises the Thupmal (golden horn stingray) as her Totem.

Lara has showcased her work at Australian museums as well as the NorthSite Contemporary Art, Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island, and exhibited work at UMI Arts in Cairns. Her work on canvas resonated strongly with visitors of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and it went on to win the 2022 People’s Choice Award.

"Wapil Zura is a fish soup that is cooked especially for our Elders and children that is usually cooked with heaps of tea grass garlic and ginger, it is a common dish in the home of the islanders, given to our children and elders to make them strong and recover quickly from the common flu and other illnesses.

Inspiration for my art comes directly from our connection to the sea. My son's livelihood depends on the sea and its bounty. The vibrant colours of our reefs and sea life are reflected in my works. My sons often come home sharing images of their day at sea filmed on a gopro, showing all the beauty and splendour of our oceans in the Zenith Kes. Wapi Zura (fish soup)."