Brian Robinson (Kala Lagaw Ya and Wuthathi language groups, Torres Strait Islands) was born on Waiben (Thursday Island). Now Cairns-based, he is known for his printmaking and public sculptures in which he uses a variety of techniques to produce bold, innovative and distinctive works, including his monumental and iconic stainless steel woven sculptures installed on the Cairns Esplanade in 2003.
Robinson’s art reflects the tropical marine environment surrounding Waiben in the Torres Strait, and the inhabitants of that environment. It is an essential part of his life and culture, imbued with the customs, traditions and lifestyles of the Torres Strait Islander peoples. The animals from ancestral stories and their presence today are also an integral feature of Robinson’s work.
His work has been featured in many exhibitions nationally and overseas, including in Berlin, Noumea, Washington DC and New York City. His work is held in major collections including the National Gallery of Australia; National Gallery of Victoria; National Museum of Australia; QAG|GOMA; Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Noumea, New Caledonia; the Australian National Maritime Museum; and the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, Virginia, USA.
