Dr Ken Thaiday Snr and Paul Thaiday will showcase what it means to pass on cultural knowledge through generations at this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Photo: Supplied.
The bond between an Erub Island father-and-son duo will be shown through a remarkable collection of new and restored works at the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) from 10-13 July.
Renowned Torres Strait Islander artist Dr Ken Thaiday Snr, affectionately known as Uncle Ken, unpacked several of his older works with the help of his son Paul, who is assisting his father in restoring and maintaining the works.
The pair will also showcase six new pieces, including three hammerhead shark masks and three dugong sculptures.
“This is my gift, my hands are my gift,” Dr Thaiday said.
“I’m doing hammerhead shark headdress, that’s my totem, that’s why I love doing it.”
Paul, who currently lives in Western Australia, returned to Cairns to ensure his father’s work did not end with him – an increasingly important task as Dr Thaiday’s mobility has declined.
Still, the veteran artist proudly demonstrated how he cuts plywood on his lap, resting sheets on the armrests of his wheelchair, which are now worn with saw marks.
CIAF exhibitions and development manager India Collins said the pair demonstrated a powerful intergenerational collaboration which went much deeper than the works themselves.
“Their story speaks to more than just the artworks – it’s a generational exchange of cultural knowledge, skill and deep commitment,” she said.
“Uncle Ken, a respected mentor to many artists who now exhibit regularly at CIAF, including Grace Lillian Lee, Brian Robinson, Toby Cedar and Obery Sambo, continues to create and inspire.
“This story is bigger than him just being an artist exhibiting at CIAF – it’s a living legacy of Torres Strait art and identity being passed from father to son.”
CIAF will kick off with the traditional opening night celebration at Tanks Arts Centre on Thursday.
