Dennis Nona, Sesserae (Badu Island Story) © Badu Art Centre
Torres Strait Islander Art from Badu Island
Badu Art Centre, Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh, is the cultural home of Mura Badulgal artists on Badu Island in the Torres Strait. The centre was established as an Indigenous Corporation in December 2009. It grew from the efforts of Laurie Nona and Joseph Au, who worked together in the early 2000s to start the centre and lead the push to have Badu artists recognised, with the support of Alick Tipoti.
Artists here work in linocut, etching, textiles, jewellery, and carving. Linocut prints in particular have brought the island international recognition, with bold imagery drawn from marine life, ancestral stories, winds, and constellations. This work expresses Aislan Kustom, the spirit of Badu, and keeps cultural knowledge active and visible.
Alick Tipoti is one of the best-known artists from the island, with work held in collections throughout the world. His prints depict the land, sea, and sky of his country using traditional Melanesian patterns, and are accompanied by traditional chants, songs, and dance. He is one of very few people today who speaks Kala Lagaw Ya fluently. Laurie Nona works in linocut, copper plate etching, and carving, and his work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia. Other artists include Joseph Au, Aiona (Tala) Gaidan, Weldon Matasia, Edmund 'Ral' Laza, Sarah Gaidan, Zacharia Gaidan, Flora Au, Sergio Ahmat, Michael Nona, Tipoti Nona, Patima Warria, Tom Abel Baira, Jymahl Savage, Emmanuel Laza, Franklin Mye, and Gehmat Nona.
The mission of the centre is to generate income and career opportunities for the people of Badu Island by showcasing the stories and knowledge at the heart of their culture. From the island gallery, where visitors can meet artists and purchase works directly, to art fairs and cultural events, the centre builds connections between artists, collectors, and communities across Australia and internationally. Visitors are welcome but permission from the Chair of the Native Title Body is required; the centre can help facilitate enquiries.
Badu Art Centre receives support from Creative Australia, the Australian Government's IVAIS program, Arts Queensland, the Torres Strait Regional Authority, and the Queensland Community Benefit Gambling Fund.
Badu Art Centre at a glance
- Origins: Community-led, established 2009.
- Language/Culture: Kala Lagaw Ya, Torres Strait Islander culture, Mura Badulgal people.
- Location: Badu Island, Western Cluster, Torres Strait, halfway between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea.
- Art Style: Internationally recognised linocut prints, with etching, textiles, jewellery, and carving.
- Cultural Significance: Works express Aislan Kustom, linking the ocean, land, winds, stars, and ancestral stories of Badu Island.
