CIAF board members Tarragh Cunningham, Leitha Assan and Vicki Taylor, along with artistic director Teho Ropeyarn, give journalists a sneak peek of the 16th instalment of the arts extravaganza at the Tanks Arts Centre. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Artists and audiences alike were empowered to remain vigilant about social, political and cultural issues impacting First Nations communities across the country when the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) returned to its “spiritual home” from 10-13 July.
This year’s CIAF adopted the theme of Pay Attention!, inspired by artist Tony Albert’s evocative 2011 print work of the same name, and artistic director Teho Ropeyarn said it provided a strong reminder to everyone involved with the annual event.
“It’s a reminder … to stay at the forefront for all our issues of truth telling and things like that, but to also encourage artists to think outside this square and to push their practice,” he said.
Mr Ropeyarn, who has had an association with CIAF since first exhibiting as an artist about 15 years ago, said he was awed every time he saw works from a diverse range of creatives, including many from Cape York and the Torres Strait, starting to be displayed.
“It blows your mind every year,” he said.
“You discover new artists every year; emerging artists, they’re always coming through the ranks.
“Just to see our art, and Queensland art, and all our artists in one place has always been exciting, and there’s always something to see every year.”
Yalanji and Lama Lama artist Kerry Klimm’s Spill the Tea on the Colony exhibition and masterclass was a hit with crowds, with the unique concept inviting participants to “sit with uncomfortable truths over tea and biscuits”.
Artist Kerry Klimm has a bit of fun with her Spill the Tea on the Colony interactive exhibition. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
She said even the choice of biscuits to use in her display – Kingstons – was carefully thought out.
“When I was a kid, you knew there was some serious talk to be had if those flash bikkies were brought out,” she laughed.
“There are still serious conversations to be had with my work, so I thought putting the Kingstons out on the plate was fitting.
“One of the billies talks about black love, joy and rage, and that basically sums me up.”
Board deputy chair Leitha Assan said returning to the Tanks Arts Centre added an extra bit of wow factor to this year’s CIAF offering.
“We’re very, very excited … coming home, coming back to our spiritual home here in our 16th edition of CIAF,” she said.
“It feels like we’re coming full circle.
“Just the whole setup; the fresh air in the botanical gardens is just the best place for our artists and our presenters and practitioners here; the whole vibe feels really, really, I couldn’t describe it – a breath of fresh air.”
Renowned Torres Strait artist Dr Ken Thaiday’s stunning shark headdresses captivated the CIAF crowds. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
