Council Media, Spiritual patterns: Orange Regional Museum hosts Alick Tipoti exhibition Mariw Minaral, Orange City Council, 13 March 2025

An Australian National Maritime Museum exhibition exploring the legends and cultural history of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) will open at the Orange Regional Museum on Saturday 15 March.

• Mariw Minaral (Spritual Patterns) will open at the Orange Regional Museum on Saturday 15 March.
• The Australian National Maritime Museum exhibition exploring the legends and cultural history of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait).
• Mariw Minaral will be on display at Orange Regional Museum until 15 June.

Mariw Minaral (Spiritual Patterns) showcases the work of acclaimed visual and performance artist Alick Tipoti across multiple media including sculpture, carvings, linocuts, masks and film.

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Marea Ruddy encouraged everyone to come along to see the stunning exhibition, which contains some of the finest examples of the artist’s intricate work.

“It is a rare opportunity for us to see works by such an internationally renowned artist right here in Orange, whose work not only give us a valuable insight into the cultural history of his people, but also spreads a message of ocean conservation,” Cr Ruddy said.

With more than 25 years of artistic practice, Tipoti is widely recognised for his dedication to revitalising ancient cultural knowledge and language as both a regional advocate and cultural custodian.

Tipoti’s work employs complex background designs, disguised among ritual objects and land and sea creatures, offering his depictions of their environmental and spiritual world.

Tipoti stated, “My art is based on legends of the Torres Strait where I depict my interpretations of the land, sea, sky and the many different living creatures and spirits that exist here. I use my art as an educational tool, teaching people about important cultural events, practices and beliefs from the past.”

Australian National Maritime Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp said, “Alick Tipoti is a master contemporary artist, whose work resonates throughout the world.

“This exhibition, from the Australian National Maritime Museum collection, offers a wonderful insight into his intricate and beautiful work, revealing some of the stories and elements from the rich culture, lands and seas of Zenadth Kes,” she said.

Mariw Minaral will be officially opened at 6pm on Friday 14 March at Orange Regional Museum.

At 10am the following day, Saturday 15 March, join exhibition curator Matt Poll from the Australian National Maritime Museum for ‘Curator Conversations’ to discover more about the exhibition.

Both events are free to attend and all are welcome. Book your spot at Eventbrite here.

Mariw Minaral will be on display at Orange Regional Museum until 15 June.