21/05/2026
JZK Project exhibition is travelling! GOTAT | GUTHATH | 時代の潮目 | TIDES opened at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre at Waibene Lag in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) on Friday 15 May.
The exhibition opening was MCed by Torres Strait Regional Authority Culture, Art and Heritage Portfolio and Member for Mer, Mr Bob Kaigey, a Blessing given by Father Tom Stephen, Church of Torres Strait. We were Welcomed to Country by Kaurareg Elder Enid Tom. TSRA Chair Mr George Nona opened the event and speeches were given by ANU JZK Team representative Jacinta Baragud and ANU Yil L*l Studio’s Will Kepa and Dr Sara Kitaoji. Heartfelt impromptu speeches were offered by JZK’s Michael Passi and Yessie Mosby. Music was provided by Will Kepa, and singers from Mer and Mabuyag. We were watched over by a beautiful owl in the neighbouring mango tree.
A special event feature was the handing back to Meriam, Masig, Iama and Mabuyag representatives USBs of new recordings of old songs made 50 years ago by Japanese researchers Hironobu Kitaoji and Michiya Hata.
The crowd moved inside the cultural centre to enjoy the space - both galleries were full of photos from the National Museum of Ethnology’s George Ohshima Collection and private collections of late Hironobu Kitaoji, Hiroyuki Matsumoto and Shinpei Segawa made fifty years ago. A Thugul Makarr (model outrigger canoe) made by Yessie Mosby floated in the gallery inviting thoughts of waves, waters and ongoing traditions.
Koeyma eso, au esoau to ogleda Zenadth Kes communities, Gab Titui’s Leitha Assan and team, GBK Chair Ned David and Board member Mr Keri Akiba, TSIRC Mayor Philemon Mosby (in absentia) and Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat, Rhonda Shibasaki, National Museum of Ethnology’s Professor Norio Niwa, AIATSIS and Dr Sara Kitaoji.
And well done ANU JZK team as always for dedication to doing an excellent job for community!
Following the exhibition an all star Zenadth Kes panel of JZK Team and GBK member discussed the process, the relationships and the insights behind the exhibition and project.
