Kevin Miller

Kevin Miller (MPhil, Photomedia, ANU School of Art) is also in the NT on reconnaissance. He sends us some images which gives us all itchy feet! In his words: “I made my way to Bathurst Island complete with whole family – including grandparents.  This ended up being the best way to learn about the Tiwi way of life, culture, different clans (skin groups), who can marry who, etc.  Our guide (Trevor) was proud to show as much as possible and displayed enormous patience with my eldest son who never left his side for the whole trip.  It was great to experience a community where art and the connection to the land is such an embedded way of life.

It was hard to select just a few images, but here is a taste:
1. Burning off on Melville Island across Apsley Strait with red sand beach
2. Wall of Tiwi design arts centre in Nguiu – we purchased a work by Maria Josette Orsto who has exhibited often in Canberra
3. Sometimes it is easy to see the inspiration for the patterns and colours in the artwork
4. Detail from the Catholic Church with Tiwi decoration, this is the old church now only used for special occasions.  This church designed by a Dutch architect in the 1940s is a fine example of tropical architecture and probably the coolest building (temperature) we visited.  The new church is just a roof – also appropriate.