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Straits talking: Billy Missi

Billy Missi

BILLY MISSI and PETER HYLANDS talk about the importance of art practice in the Torres Strait.

Moa Island is the original home of artist BILLY MISSI. On this occasion we met up with BILLY on a very rainy day at Canopy Artspace in Cairns. Inspired by his culture, his deep concern for the environment, the sea and islands, and the art making of a new generation of Torres Strait Islander artist, BILLY was determined to make art his career. In this discussion BILLY describes why practising his art is so important.

Coastline near St Pauls, Moa Island

If you have ever been lucky enough to visit Moa Island in the Torres Strait you will know just what a beautiful place it is. We arrive by tinny at the jetty in Kubin. There are two settlements here, Kubin and St Pauls, separated by a twenty minute drive that takes us through open forest country and past Moa Peak, the highest point in the Torres Strait. The bright green of the island’s vegetation, the red soil, a spectacular contrast to the sparkling turquoise sea.

Looking back at the peak

Heading home