Each year, since its inception in 2009, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has presented a fresh show incorporating a high proportion of innovative three dimensional works. Sculpture has always been an important media in Queensland Indigenous art practice, in both traditional and contemporary contexts, so it is not surprising that the state produces some of Australia’s most accomplished ceramicists. In 2015 a new model of display worked to beautifully showcase exceptional ceramic work. More than ever ceramics was used to compliment two-dimensional works, and in doing so helped to tell the story of what is important to Indigenous Queenslanders.
Co-curators Hetti Perkins and Janina Harding succeeded in presenting a pared-back, streamlined art fair at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. In previous years, work of varying quality was shown by art centres and galleries under one roof. In 2015 the primary exhibition ‘Wabu Minjaan’ (Coming Together to Share), of mainly exhibition quality work, was shown in Terminal 3 and an Art Market was held in Terminal 2. Other significant changes included the absence of large commercial galleries from the capital cities, the addition of Independent Artists (a group of six), and two Guest Artists, and a much more tightly curated show in which a number of art centres presented themed installations.
In the absence of their primary galleries some artists exhibited with local galleries. One such artist was Shenane Jago, a Kurtjar woman from the Gulf of Carpentaria. Jago has exhibited with Alcaston Gallery since 2012, both in Melbourne and at previous CIAFs. A small but impressive group (a crocodile skull, bull skull replete with horns, and a long-necked turtle) of her ceramic works were shown at Saltwater Gallery. The