Stella Upia | Sihae 1 (Sahote clan design of fruit from the tree 1) 2006 | Natural pigments on barkcloth Purchased 2007. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery

Stella Upia
Sihae 1 (Sahote clan design of fruit from the tree 1) 2006
Natural pigments on barkcloth
Purchased 2007. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation
Collection: Queensland Art Gallery

Paperskin: Barkcloth across the Pacific

31 October 2009 – 14 February 2010  Gallery 4, QAG

‘Since its introduction from South-East Asia , cloth made from the beaten bark of paper mulberry, banyan and breadfruit trees has played an important role in island cultures in the Pacific. For generations, this cloth has been an essential part of everyday life, as well as being worn and exchanged in familial and political ceremonies and performances. The designs that they carry constitute some of the Pacific’s most breathtaking artistic works.

‘Paperskin’ celebrates this visual sophistication and vitality, displaying examples dating from the eighteenth century to the present. Drawn from the collections of the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and a private collector, the exhibition features works from Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Hawai’i, Futuna, the Solomon and Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

‘Paperskin’ explores the stories embodied in these cloths. With their evocative visual language of bold and intricate patterning, barkcloths have been likened to tattoos: another skin that envelops the wearer in cultural significance and beauty.

This exhibition is organised by Queensland Art Gallery, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Queensland Museum.

View online publication

Public Programs

Opening weekend talks
2.00pm Saturday 31 October 2009.
Featuring Maud Page, Curator (Contemporary Pacific Art), Imelda Miller, Assistant Curator, Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Indigenous Studies (Queensland Museum) and Sean Mallon, Senior Curator , Pacific Cultures, (Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand).

Curator's talk
2.00pm Thursday 5 November.
Join Maud Page , Curator (Contemporary Pacific Art) for an overview of the exhibition. Meet at the exhibiton entrance

Hearing Impaired Tour
10.00am Friday 27 November 2009
A volunteer guided tour of ‘Paperskin: Barkcloth across the Pacific’ for hearing-impaired visitors.  Assistive listening devices are available.  As the number of devices is limited, bookings are essential. To book, please call the Education Bookings Office on (07) 3840 7255 between 8.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday or email schoolbookings@qag.qld.gov.au.

Auslan Tour
3.00pm Sunday 29 November
An Auslan-interpreted tour of ‘Paperskin: Barkcloth across the Pacific’ for Deaf visitors.  Meet your volunteer guide at the Melbourne Street information desk, QAG.