Belonging 5, from the series Belonging

The artist documentation for this work states;
“These body sculptures give you the sense of the notion of a body - the body is no longer there - the bloodlines carry on. This series explores the complexities of identity and connection. This has been my life’s work, to connect and celebrate my linage. It has been a journey of exploring and understanding my connection, but also to create works which reflect this exploration on the body. I’m a descendant of the Doolah family: my grandmother is Marcella Lillian Lee (neé Berolah), daughter of Rasme Berolah (neé Seden), daughter of Minah Seden (neé Doolah). We are proud descendants of the Doolah family. We are Meriam-Samsep people, one of eight groups of the Meriam people of the eastern islands of the Torres Strait, also known as Mer/Murray Island. My grandmother and our family speak about what root we come from and the many branches within the tree. These sculptures look at the structural elements of how we are all interconnected and the beauty within these connections. The four white pieces either side the central red piece represent my community and my Ancestors. The centre piece represents me. Understanding that I can stand strong in knowing that I belong, and to be bold and powerful in who I am.

I celebrate my cultural identity through the act of weaving. Uncle Ken Thaiday has taught me these techniques to create and explore my identity. These are contemporary expressions of self. His wishes are for me to carry this on. These techniques are derived from ceremonial costumes, specifically the Dhari and the dance machines which he specialises in.”
Grace Lillian Lee 2022