Translated to ‘through the smoke they come home,’ this moving visual art exhibition curated by prominent Jinibara artists explores the intricate connection between people and place and each of the featured artists are inspired by, and called to create, by country itself.

From March of 1877 Jinibara country changed significantly for it marked the beginning of the first local aboriginal mission at Woodford formerly known as Durundur. This started the local and forced removal and displacement of many local aboriginal people from their homes.

Though many visited their home country over the years it was only in the later 21st century it started becoming safer to not only Identify as aboriginal but also to begin the return home.

This exhibition is our story… Our journey… Of passing through the smoke and returning home to Yinibara Djuwan-Jinibara country!

About the artists

Allan Kina

Allan Kina is an artist from the Dungidau clan, Jinibara Country, in Woodford and surrounding areas. His artwork is influenced by his travels, and the cultural stories and connections he feels to his Land — bringing him a sense of pride and belonging.

His meaningful, contemporary style uses symbolism, dotting, and cross-hatching to create visual narratives of Australian fauna and flora.

Allan’s artwork is a conversation with viewers about culture and Country and the animals we share it with, but it’s also a message of hope and purpose for other young indigenous men. It’s a call to action to continue to learn, collaborate, and share their stories through art.

His latest series Incubation of eggs celebrates the differences between egg-laying species, and how each protects and incubates them: such as in anthills, hollowed out trees, and out in open country.

Enid Morris

Aunty Enid Morris has been practising art since she was 14 years old. Uncle Kevin Brunett — her mother’s cousin — first taught her to paint and the traditional designs of wood burning on Stradbroke Island.

After completing a Bachelor of Aboriginal Arts in Contemporary Design at Griffith University, Aunty Enid’s work flourished and expanded. She began to further research her family history, culture, and her tribe. She also began to have dreams that influenced her connection to her Ninungura (dreamtime) and her artwork grew, and she challenged herself to create large-scale paintings and sculptures.

As Aunty Enid describes: “My art style as very vibrant and colourful that my Ninungura is shining through strongly… it is very eye catching and beautiful, I love to paint in bright colours. I am 47 years old now and hope to paint more women inspired art work that can be taught to the younger women of my family.”

Jason Murphy

Artist and Jinibara descendant Jason Murphy, born in West End, was raised in and around Brisbane. Drawing since he was a child, Jason began exhibiting his work in 2008, working full-time as an artist and workshop facilitator.

Completing a BA of Creative Arts with Honours and a Master of Visual Arts with Honours has contributed to the artists development. Often during research and production new areas of interest arise and lead to the next body of work.

Jason’s artwork utilises acrylic paintings, collage, printing, multimedia, and drawings to continue narrative and critique social, political, and cultural issues affecting Aboriginal People as well as reflecting strong links to Country.

Noel Blair

Uncle Noel Blair is a respected Jinibara Elder and artist.

Uncle Noel spent the majority of his career working (since 1970) within Aboriginal Legal Services — starting off as a field officer; and then moving to become administrator; manager; and, in September 2001, he moved to Brisbane as CEO of one of the largest legal services in Australia with 54 staff and 24 lawyers.

He retired in 2004 but has maintained his leadership in the community through holding a number of board positions — including medical centres, legal services, child care agencies, housing services, and as part of the Woodford Folk Festival board.