Maluw Adhil Urngu Padanu Mamuy Moesik (Legends from the deep sitting peacefully on the waters)

The Institute of Modern Art has collaborated with the Biennale of Sydney to commission a new work from the Torres Strait 8, a collective on the frontlines of advocacy for the climate crisis in Zenadh Kes (the Torres Strait Islands and surrounding seas). Led by Yessie Mosby, a Kulkalgal Traditional Owner and member of the group, the Torres Strait 8 present a hybrid art-as-protest piece featuring campaign materials created as part of the Our Islands Our Home campaign. Yessie Mosby and the Torres Strait 8’s participation in this project continues to magnify the campaign for justice for the communities of Zenadh Kes in holding the Australian Government accountable on climate change policy.

This commission forms the anchor for a curation of select works from the 23rd Biennale of Sydney: rīvus that speak to our enduring connections and responsibilities to the natural world. Through the exhibited work, Maluw Adhil Urngu Padanu Mamuy Moesik (Legends from the deep sitting peacefully on the waters) will explore how these potential relationships might decentre the human, prioritise care for Country, and pursue justice in an epoch of rising temperatures and seas.

This partnership is part of the Casiquiare | Biennale of Sydney national collaboration project, which involves collaborating with leading cultural institutions across Australia, presenting co-commissioned artworks in the Biennale of Sydney and in unique shows at institutions across Australia.