{"title":"UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eFreshwater Saltwater, UMI Arts’ signature annual exhibition, celebrates the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic practice across Far North Queensland. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2026, the exhibition brings together fifteen senior and established artists whose works explore the interconnected relationships between freshwater and saltwater as cultural, environmental and lived systems. Featuring thirty-five works across a wide range of media, the exhibition reflects the diversity and vitality of traditional and contemporary First Nations artistic practice in the region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exhibition title reflects the connection of mainland Aboriginal custodians to freshwater systems and Torres Strait Islander peoples to saltwater  environments. Like rivers flowing toward the sea, Freshwater Saltwater becomes a metaphor for the meeting of stories, cultures and experiences across rainforest, desert and island landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough a broad range of artistic practices — including acrylic painting, monotypes, mixed media works, woven dilly bags, Torres Strait Islander headdresses and contemporary reinterpretations of ceremonial masks — the exhibition presents perspectives that move between inherited traditions and contemporary expression. FWSW2026 embraces the fluid relationship between tradition and innovation, revealing First Nations cultures as living, adaptive and continually evolving. Like water itself, culture flows across \u003cbr\u003egenerations, carrying stories, knowledge and enduring connections to Country and Sea Country.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"andrew-passi-beizam-tirig-shark-teeth","title":"Andrew Passi, Beizam tirig (Shark teeth)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeizam tirig (shark teeth), 2025\u003cbr\u003eMixed media sculpture (feather, raffia, plastic, acrylic, wood)\u003cbr\u003eH 51 x W 23 x D 50 cm\u003cbr\u003e$1,450\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeizam tirig (shark teeth) is a sacred ceremonial mask of a contemporary form that holds an important place within the Bomai \/ Malu cult of Mer Island (Murray Island). Deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual significance, the work represents far more than artistic expression — it embodies ancestral knowledge, identity, and ceremonial practice. Beizam tirig is not an isolated object, but part of a living cultural system that connects contemporary practice with ancestral tradition. The work reflects the enduring strength, resilience, and cultural identity of the Saltwater People.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UMI Arts","offers":[{"title":"Striped","offer_id":47414535553186,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/87A9210_1.jpg?v=1783556935"},{"product_id":"shane-gibson-ngowiyu-guumoy-wi-night-hunting-copy","title":"Shane Gibson, Tharraangal-Wi, 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas107 x 128 x 3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eWhen the Gaalgaan (blue tail mullet) hunting season is on and they \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ego up the river to spawn, they gather amongst the mangroves, and we \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ecall this Tharraangal-Wi. You would need good eyesight to see them, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eas they are camouflaged, and be skilled with the Galga and Milbirr \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e(spear and Woomera).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umi Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47414536470690,"sku":"GibsonS26.6","price":4480.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/87A9035_1.jpg?v=1783558592"},{"product_id":"shane-gibson-tharraangal-wi-2026-copy","title":"Shane Gibson, Ngowiya Burr-Bi, 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e59.5 x 97.5 x 3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring turtle nesting season, we need to protect turtles from feral pigs and other animals that threaten them while nesting. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umi Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47414573531298,"sku":"GibsonS26.7","price":3710.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/87A9031_1.jpg?v=1783558709"},{"product_id":"ganomi-barsa-headdress-dhoeri-i-large","title":"Ganomi Barsa, Headdress Dhoeri I (Large)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFeathers (White and black cockatoo), coloured cottons, seeds\u003cbr\u003e65 x 42 cm (1 \u0026amp; 2)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was after my twenties that I learned the art of crafting traditional Headreeser, guided by my brother, father, and uncles. Now, in my generation, women are welcomed to touch the Dhari. This iconic headdress of the Torres Strait Islands carries profound cultural meaning on Thursday Island (Waiben) and throughout the Torres region.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umi Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47414666264738,"sku":"GBarsa26.3","price":1000.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/Ganomi_Barsa_Headdress_Dhoeri_I_L__FWSW2026.jpg?v=1783569487"},{"product_id":"ganomi-barsa-headdress-dhoeri-ii-medium","title":"Ganomi Barsa, Headdress Dhoeri III (Medium)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFeathers (White and black cockatoo), coloured cottons, seeds\u003cbr\u003e56 x 38 cm (III \u0026amp; IV)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was after my twenties that I learned the art of crafting traditional Headreeser, guided by my brother, father, and uncles. Now, in my generation, women are welcomed to touch the Dhari. This iconic headdress of the Torres Strait Islands carries profound cultural meaning on Thursday Island (Waiben) and throughout the Torres region.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umi Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47415398105250,"sku":"GBarsa26.4","price":720.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/Headdress_Dhoeri_IV_M__Ganomi_Barsa_FWSW2026.jpg?v=1783569486"},{"product_id":"sandra-ase-ocean-life-waru-season-2026","title":"Sandra Ase, Ocean Life \/ Waru Season,2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eFeathers (White and black cockatoo), coloured cottons, seeds\u003cbr\u003e60.5 x 91.5 x 4 cm \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring Ocean Life \/ Waru Season, the beaches come alive with new life. Small turtles hurry across the sand, racing toward the water for the very first time, while the older turtles wait beyond the shoreline. \u003cbr\u003eThis season reminds us of connection, guidance, and the journey from one stage of life to another.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umi Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47415402168482,"sku":"ASES26.1","price":785.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/87A9386_1.jpg?v=1783569964"},{"product_id":"kevin-edmondstone-my-home-2025","title":"Kevin Edmondstone 'My Home' 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eKevin Edmondstone \"My Home\" 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e91 cm x 122 cm x 4 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003eThis artwork reflects the artist’s connection to Country and Sea Country in Far North Queensland, bringing together the land, the ocean, and the life they provide for Aboriginal people. \u003cbr\u003eThe horizon line unites these elements, while the marine creatures depicted represent important traditional food sources and the enduring relationship between people and the sea. \u003cbr\u003eThe footprints and handprints symbolise presence, ancestry, family, and the passing of  cultural knowledge through generations. Sand and shoreline elements evoke \u003cbr\u003emovement between land and water, reminding us that identity is deeply \u003cbr\u003econnected to place. “I’m from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland. \u003cbr\u003eThis painting represents me and where I’m from. We are land and sea people from \u003cbr\u003enear and far.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"UMI Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47415412129954,"sku":"edmondstone26.1","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/87A9048_1.jpg?v=1783570292"},{"product_id":"kassandra-savage-brillance-of-a-billabong-2025","title":"Kassandra Savage, Brillance of a Billabong, 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eMonoprint, Ink on paper \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrilliance of a Billabong (1)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirds of a Father (2)\u003cbr\u003e56 x 76 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the lily pads and water lilies in my ponds, and by the billabong I pass each day on my journey home, this artwork celebrates the beauty and transformation found in nature. I was captivated by their vibrant colours and the way delicate buds gradually unfold into elegant blooms. Their organic forms became the starting point for my printmaking exploration.\u003cbr\u003eThe process of inking my plates and templates is both intentional and spontaneous. Each time I press and carefully peel away the templates, I am continually surprised by the textures, layers, and imagery revealed on the paper. I then introduce newly inked brolga templates, adding movement and narrative to the composition.\u003cbr\u003eMy artworks combine memories, lived experiences, and imagined moments, creating visual stories that reflect both personal connection and creative exploration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Umi Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47415420911778,"sku":"Savaka26.4","price":785.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2383\/5683\/files\/87A0335.jpg?v=1777526407"}],"url":"https:\/\/umi-arts.myshopify.com\/collections\/umi-arts-freshwater-saltwater-2026.oembed","provider":"Umi Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}