Almost 35 Years After the Mabo Decision, a Daughter Honours Her Father

As the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney opens its doors to “Connections: MCA x Tate,” a landmark exhibition celebrating the histories and diversity of First Peoples, it’s impossible not to think about Australia’s fraught past and present. The show, which brings together 15 works jointly acquired by both institutions through a generous gift from the Qantas Foundation, is a testament to the power of art in bridging gaps and fostering understanding.

At its heart are three stunning navigational maps created by Gail Mabo, daughter of renowned land rights activist Eddie Koiki Mabo. Almost 35 years after her father’s landmark High Court victory, which overturned the doctrine of terra nullius, Gail’s work is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and reconciliation. Her intricate cartography renders ocean swells and currents, shells denoting the 17 mapped islands of the Torres Strait, while knotted white threads and mother-of-pearl mark the booming pearling industry established in the late 18th century.

These maps are more than just artistic expressions; they represent a deep understanding of Australia’s complex history. Gail Mabo’s use of red and blue thread to trace the passages of European explorers, such as Luis Vaéz de Torres and James Cook, serves as a powerful counterpoint to the dominant narratives of Australian history. Her grandfather’s story, too, is woven into the fabric of these maps – his experiences as a pearl diver, the Viking funeral he gave his vessel in defiance of government authorities.

The exhibition also features works by other Indigenous artists, including Helen Ganalmirriwuy Garrawurra and Yhonnie Scarce. Garrawurra’s lip-lipa, a wooden dugout canoe with a woven dhomola sail, showcases the ingenuity and creativity of Yolngu people in East Arnhem Land. Meanwhile, Scarce’s scaled-up archival photographs and hand-blown glass yams bring issues of historical hardship, survival, and identity into sharp focus.

As we reflect on Australia’s past, it is essential that we acknowledge both connection and separation. Gail Mabo’s maps offer a powerful lens through which to view the country’s history – one that highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of First Peoples in the face of colonization. The ongoing struggle for recognition and reconciliation requires continued acknowledgment of the legacy of terra nullius.

The exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art serves as a poignant reminder of this ongoing struggle. As we look ahead, it is essential that we continue to grapple with the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities and work towards a more just and equitable society. The “Connections” show offers a powerful opportunity for Australians to engage with their country’s complex history, learn from the stories and experiences of First Peoples, and build mutual understanding and connection.

The “Connections” exhibition will run until [insert date]. It is an opportunity not to be missed – a chance to confront Australia’s complicated past and forge a more inclusive future.