River of Life explores the relationship between the land and people before white settlement in Australia. The artwork shares a story of the intertwining people, land and water systems.
River of Life is presented in association with the Reflections exhibition as part of Brisbane City Council’s Indigenous Art Program. The exhibition features new artworks from many of Australia’s promising emerging and early career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and is complemented by an exciting program of walking tours, talks and workshops for all ages.
The program will highlight the Brisbane River’s beauty, significance and sustainability featuring artwork by emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who all call Brisbane home.
The Indigenous Art Program 2023 – Reflections is curated by Creative Nations.
Find out more about the Outdoor Gallery exhibitions and public programs here.
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Luke Mallie is of both Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent with ties to the Kuku Yalanji Nation in the Daintree, North of Cairns, North Queensland, and from Kubin Village on Moa Island in the Torres Strait Islands. With a Bachelor of Fine Art (majoring in painting) and a Bachelor of Multimedia Studies, Luke’s drive to create stems from knowing his artwork inspires and empowers others to discover something amazing in their own lives and perform to their full potential.
River of Life explores the relationship between the land and people before white settlement in this country. The artwork shares a story of the intertwining people, land and water systems. The black and white elements represent The Dreamtime that then comes to life through colour in the subsequent pieces. The colour builds connection and strengthens communities in a cyclical form as ‘The River of Life’ is never-ending and eternal.
