Exhibitions celebrate culture, connection and contemporary perspective

Published on 28 September 2026

Artspace Mackay will welcome three new exhibitions to its galleries this October, showcasing leading First Nations artists and exploring stories of culture, identity, ancestry and truth.

Opening from Friday, October 2, audiences are invited to experience a diverse program spanning Torres Strait Islander ancestry, Pacific cultural connections and contemporary political commentary.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the exhibitions were a combination of visiting art as well as selected artwork from council’s own collection.

“Art has an important role to play in a community. It gives us a chance to see the world through different eyes, to learn about the stories and experiences of others, and to reflect on our own sense of place and identity,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There is real value in having these works together in one place. They create opportunities for conversations, learning and connection, and help make art accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds,” he said.

“Whether you are a regular gallery visitor or someone experiencing Artspace Mackay for the first time, I encourage you to come along, take your time with the exhibitions and discover something that speaks to you.”

Opening in the Main Gallery is Kulba A Kaib, a major solo exhibition by acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson (Kala Lagaw Ya / Wuthathi).

Born on Waiben (Thursday Island) and now based in Cairns, Robinson is renowned for his intricate and imaginative practice, which spans printmaking, sculpture, installation and design.

Drawing on ancestral knowledge, cultural narratives and contemporary visual culture, Robinson creates richly layered works that explore the enduring relationships between people, place and the cosmos.

Through references to Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, constellations, spirituality and the continuing presence of ancestors, Kulba A Kaib invites audiences to reflect on how cultural knowledge is preserved and passed between generations.

Opening in the Foundation Gallery is Pacific Currents, an exhibition drawn from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection that explores the interconnected cultures, histories and identities of the Pacific region.

Featuring works connected to Australia, the Torres Strait Islands, Solomon Islands, Samoa and Australian South Sea Islander histories, the exhibition highlights both the diversity and shared experiences of Pacific peoples.

While each cultural perspective remains distinct, the works engage in broader conversations around identity, ancestry, memory and the preservation of cultural practice.

Completing the lineup is Darren Blackman's Post Truth, presented in the Foyer Gallery.

Created in response to the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair theme, Pay Attention!, Post Truth embraces the call to remain alert, informed and critically engaged with the political and social forces shaping contemporary life.

Blackman (Gureng Gureng/Gangalu) transforms cultural knowledge and political commentary into striking LED neon text-based sculptures that captivate through wit, colour and wordplay. His works challenge audiences to question dominant narratives while reflecting on truth, power and contemporary Indigenous experiences.

Together, these three exhibitions offer visitors a powerful opportunity to engage with contemporary First Nations and Pacific perspectives through works that are both visually compelling and deeply thought-provoking.

Artspace Mackay Exhibition Curator Dylan Mooney will host an Exhibition Floor Talk with Brian Robinson and Darren Blackman on Saturday, October 3.

Join Dylan in conversation with the artists at the Gallery for this free guided tour. Reserve your spot as numbers are limited, at https://bit.ly/4yn7OQq

Kulba A Kaib, Pacific Currents and Post Truth open at Artspace Mackay on Friday, October 2, and run until December 13. Admission is free.