Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai

A comprehensive exhibition of printmaking by the late artist Billy Missi.

Burrinja is proud to present Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai, a national touring exhibition presented by NorthSite Contemporary Arts in partnership with Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Gab Titui Cultural Centre (TSRA), and toured by Museums & Galleries Queensland.

Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai  brings together over fifty of the artist’s most significant and iconic prints, including rare and never-before-exhibited monoprints, etchings, and linoprints from Djumbunji Fine Art Press and private collections. Curated by Dr Russell Milledge, this retrospective was developed in close consultation with the Billy Missi Estate, family members and friends, highlighting Missi’s critical role in the emergence of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) printmaking as a contemporary art form. 

About the Exhibition 

This exhibition celebrates the culture and traditions of Torres Strait Islanders through the legacy of the late artist Billy Missi. Audiences are offered an opportunity to engage with the rich imagery and narratives that reflect the islander way of life. As part of the flourishing Torres Strait contemporary art movement, the contributions of artists across both the Eastern and Western Islands are becoming increasingly recognised, with works of many held in prestigious national and international collections. Few have made as profound an impact as Billy Missi, whose legacy resonates through his powerful art and unwavering commitment to his cultural roots.

About the Artist

Billy Missi was born on Mabuiag Island and was deeply influenced by the storytelling, song, and dance traditions of his Wagadagam Tribe.

Billy Missi’s artistic journey is defined by the deep respect he had for the interconnection of land, sea, and sky. His works seamlessly merged traditional cultural knowledge with contemporary printmaking practices, creating a unique and innovative aesthetic that pushed boundaries and revealed traditional knowledge.

Billy was not just an artist; he was a storyteller who sought to share his heritage and educate others about his cultural identity and context. His ability to blend the rich cultural traditions of the islands with modern techniques allowed him to redefine storytelling through art, enriching the global understanding of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) vibrant culture. Billy Missi was a pivotal figure in the development of the contemporary Torres Strait art movement. He played a key role in establishing the Mualgau Minaral Artist Collective on Moa Island, which later became Ngalmun Lagau Minaral - Moa Arts.

This was the first Indigenous led art centre to be established in the Torres Strait. His dedication and entrepreneurial flair helped to secure the funding required for a professional studio to establish in the Islands, and Moa Arts remains an active centre for Islander artists who continue to exhibit works internationally. Billy worked alongside other local artists, such as David Bosun and Solomon Booth, along with the support of Elders and the island councillors, to create a space for artistic enterprise and self-determination. Billy’s leadership, humility, and commitment to his community cemented his role as a significant advocate and a champion of both contemporary printmaking and the traditions of his people.

Exhibition Opening

Sat 14 Nov | 4.30pm-6pm | Burrinja Main Gallery | Free Event

Join us for the official opening of this exhibition, featuring a Welcome to Country by a Wurundjeri Elder, guest speakers, traditional song and dance, and an exhibition tour.

We are honoured to welcome Uncle Gabriel Bani, Cultural Consultant, Tribal Elder and Councillor for Torres Shire Council. Uncle Gabriel is a direct descendant of Athe Bari, the Koey Mabay (Head Man) of the Wagadagam people of Mabuyag in the Near Western Islands of the Torres Strait, within the Maluyligal Nation. Fluent in the Mabuyag dialect of Kala Lagaw Ya, Uncle Gabriel brings deep cultural knowledge and expertise in traditional practices, ceremonies and customs. He works with institutions to support respectful representation of Mabuyag heritage and the safeguarding of ancestral knowledge.

The opening will be followed by a song and dance performance by Gubaw Goeyga Sagulaw Buway, featuring Peggy Misi, William Misi, Tommy Mooka and Paula Mooka.

The dancers will perform with a Zamiak (dancing apparatus) named Palga, representing the sound of thunder during the monsoon season. The song and dance were composed by Billy’s paternal grandmother, the late Mauare Eseli (also known as Pink) of lag Mabuyag (Mabuiag Island), and depict the dancing apparatus and its distinctive sound.

Refreshments will be provided.

Acknowledgments
Billy Missi'n Wakain Thamai is an exhibition developed by NorthSite Contemporary Arts (Gimuy/Cairns) and touring Australia in partnership with Gab Titui Cultural Centre/Torres Strait Regional Authority (Waiben/Thursday Island) and Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.

Main image credit - Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai exhibition installation view at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery 2025. Image courtesy Hervey Bay Regional Gallery