Brian Robinson's large-scale print inspired by the constellations above the Torres Strait
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal, Wuthathi and Dayak people, Australia b.1973 / Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land 2022 / View full image
Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land 2022 was inspired by the constellations that appear in the sky above the Torres Strait. Brian Robinson creates artworks informed by his Torres Strait Islander heritage and the tropical marine environment surrounding Waiben (Thursday Island).
Divided into three layers — land, sea and sky — Lagalgal emphasises how the movement of the stars is deeply intertwined with life on the islands.
Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land 2022
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal, Wuthathi and Dayak people, Australia b.1973 / Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land 2022 / Vinyl-cut on Hahnemule Hellweiss 350gsm alpha-cotton paper printed in black ink from one block / 100 x 200cm / Gift of the artist through the QAGOMA Foundation 2024. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Brian Robinson / View full image
Watch | Brian Robinson discusses his art practice
In his work, Robinson incorporates aspects of popular culture with minaral — a word meaning design, pattern or decoration in Kala Lagaw Ya, the traditional language of Mabuiag, Badu and Moa islands. Animal tracks and skin patterns, tidal movements, masks and spirits are placed in conversation with Star Wars spacecraft, arcade space invaders, and Lego figurines.
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal, Wuthathi and Dayak people, Australia b.1973 / Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land (detail) 2022 / Vinyl-cut on Hahnemule Hellweiss 350gsm alpha-cotton paper printed in black ink from one block / 100 x 200cm / Gift of the artist through the QAGOMA Foundation 2024. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Brian Robinson / View full image
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal, Wuthathi and Dayak people, Australia b.1973 / Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land (detail) 2022 / Vinyl-cut on Hahnemule Hellweiss 350gsm alpha-cotton paper printed in black ink from one block / 100 x 200cm / Gift of the artist through the QAGOMA Foundation 2024. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Brian Robinson / View full image
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal, Wuthathi and Dayak people, Australia b.1973 / Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land (detail) 2022 / Vinyl-cut on Hahnemule Hellweiss 350gsm alpha-cotton paper printed in black ink from one block / 100 x 200cm / Gift of the artist through the QAGOMA Foundation 2024. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Brian Robinson / View full image
Lagalgal is brought to life with motion graphics featuring a dynamic soundscape with insightful narration by the artist and a recording of the traditional Torres Strait Islander song ‘Taba Naba’ by Yugambeh Youth Choir.
Watch | Brian Robinson discusses Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land
Kids activity | Create a woven angel fish
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal, Wuthathi and Dayak people, Australia b.1973 / Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land (detail) 2022 / Vinyl-cut on Hahnemule Hellweiss 350gsm alpha-cotton paper printed in black ink from one block / 100 x 200cm / Gift of the artist through the QAGOMA Foundation 2024. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Brian Robinson / View full image
Delve deeper into the QAGOMA Collection
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View Brian Robinson's Lagalgal: The Mysteries of our Land 2022 (print and motion graphics) in 'Wonderstruck' at the Gallery of Modern Art or delve into the captivating works on display with our weekly highlights.
Wonderstruck
28 June – 6 October 2025
Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery 1.1 (The Fairfax Gallery), Gallery 1.2 & Gallery 1.3 (Eric and Marion Taylor Gallery)
Brisbane, Australia
Free entry