Kyra Mancktelow and Dylan Mooney are included in Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders at the Queensland Museum.
'Strength and resilience are words we use to describe ourselves and we, Australian South Sea Islanders – or South Sea People – truly embody these qualities. Our community descends from South Sea Islanders blackbirded, coerced, taken and recruited into forced and unforced labour on Queensland’s sugar and cotton plantations in the late 19th century. Once called ‘the forgotten people’, Australian South Sea Islanders have a unique cultural identity and are a proud community who are still here today."
- Imelda Miller, Curator
More than just sugar, the histories and lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islanders are intricately woven into the tapestry of this country’s diverse cultural landscape. However, this part of Australia’s story remains relatively unknown. On the 30th anniversary of National Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders, Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders brings into focus the community’s tumultuous history and how in its aftermath a new community was born.
Artworks:
Dylan Mooney
Through the flames we rise, 2024
pencil and charcoal
Kyra Mancktelow
Hard Work (sugar), 2024
unique ink transfer on Hahnemühle paper
