Proud Argan artist Matilda Nona speaks to guests about her innovative ink and print making process at the official opening of BUPUNGU on the weekend at NorthSite Contemporary Arts in Gimuy/ Cairns.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), Media Release, 30 April 2025
A two-week professional development residency in Gimuy/Cairns earlier this year has culminated in a bold new exhibition by Badu Island artist and proud Argan woman Matilda Nona, whose innovative ink and print-making practice draws on Maluilgal women’s traditions and a deep connection to Country.
Commanding attention along the feature wall of NorthSite Contemporary Arts in Cairns, 13 of Nona’s lino print artworks comprise BUPUNGU, her first solo exhibition, which was celebrated with an official opening and artist talk at the weekend. The works are on show and for sale until 17 May 2025.
Nona is the inaugural recipient of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s CATAPULT professional development program, a showcase initiative introduced in 2024 to create critical pathways for independent artists without formal gallery representation or affiliations with an art centre.
Inspired by her cultural upbringing and fascination with the natural world, Nona’s work honours the maternal knowledge systems of Zenadh Kes.
It utilises natural pigments sourced from the Torres Strait to create her signature inks. It was during the two-week residency held in Cairns earlier this year, that Nona, under the mentorship of master printer Dian Darmansjah, expanded her practice, developing a unique ink-making process using mango juice, ochre, and charcoal from her Torres Strait homelands.
CIAF’s Exhibition and Development Manager, India Collins, said it has been wonderful to witness the artist’s professional growth over the last 12 months.
“It is gratifying to see our vision for CATAPULT come to life. Not only has it succeeded in helping to bring Matilda’s cultural narratives to life through printmaking, but it has also manifested in this stunning collection of work. And this is just the beginning, with much more to come,” Ms Collins said.
About BUPUNGU & CATAPULT
BUPUNGU is on display at NorthSite Contemporary Arts, 96 Abbott Street, Gimuy/Cairns, until 17 May 2025. To find out more about the exhibition, visit NorthSite Contemporary Arts: https://northsite.org.au/exhibitions/bupungu/.
Badu Island artist Matilda Nona’s work will also be featured at CIAF 2025 (10-13 July) as part of the Art Fair Showcase at Tanks Arts Centre.
Opening night guests will be the first to ‘Pay Attention!’ to the works of over 30 exhibitors, art centres, commercial galleries, and independent artists in Tank 3 and 4, and over 48 artisans across two pavilions along the Tanks promenade. Tickets for CIAF’s Opening Night exclusive preview are on sale at ciaf.com.au.
Watch the full documentary https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hamPzqs-fyM Credit: Phil Schouteten, Phisch Creative.
CIAF 2025 – Looking ahead
- Theme: Pay Attention!
- Dates: CIAF 2025 will be held between 10 and 13 July 2025.
