Billy Missi'n Wakain Thamai

Image: Billy Missi, Ubarau Thonar | Wongai Season, 2009, linoleum cut printed in black ink from one block and hand coloured, 1000 x 650mm (print matrix). Courtesy of Gab Titui Cultural Centre. © Billy Missi | Copyright Agency, 2024.

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is proud to present Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai, a national touring exhibition presented by NorthSite Contemporary Arts in partnership with Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Gab Titui Cultural Centre (TSRA), and toured by Museums & Galleries Queensland.

This is a profound exhibition honours the late Torres Strait Islander artist Billy Missi (1970-2012), born on Mabuiag Island. He was deeply influenced by the storytelling, song, and dance traditions of his Wagadagam Tribe. 

Beginning in earnest in the 1990s, his artistic journey combined traditional carving techniques with modern linocut methods, creating a unique aesthetic that earned international recognition before his passing in 2012.

Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai honours Missi’s artistic legacy and his dedication to maintaining the language and culture of his people. The bilingual exhibition features diverse forms of printmaking and a film, presenting an immersive experience into contemporary Torres Strait Islander culture and customs.

Audiences will gain a deep appreciation for Missi’s work, reflecting his way of life, traditions, and enduring legacy.

Wagadagam clan custodian and tribal Elder, Gabriel Bani describes the exhibition as “unfathomably strong in spirit and a must see for all Australians to gain insight into Torres Strait Island knowledge and culture.”

This significant touring exhibition has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program and will travel Australia from 2025 to 2028, sharing this immense exhibition with 13 galleries across Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

 

Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street

7 March 2026 – 31 May 2026

Free entry

PLEASE NOTE: photography is not permitted in this exhibition.

 

Billy Missi'n Wakain Thamai is an exhibition developed by NorthSite Contemporary Arts (Cairns) and touring Australia in partnership with Gab Titui Cultural Centre/Torres Strait Regional Authority (Thursday Island) and Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.