Mahalia Mabo

Coral Dreaming 2022

Acrylic on canvas
90 x 90 cm

About the Work

Mahalia Mabo’s flamboyant use of rich colours reminds us of just how significant and majestic the Great Barrier Reef is, featuring more than 600 different types of coral. Before sea levels rose, Queensland’s eastern coastline extended seaward for approximately 200km and supported land-based hunting grounds for many First Nations Saltwater groups, including Wulgurukaba, Manbarra and Nywaigi people. Through knowledge transfer, Mahalia understands the importance of offshore Mugaa (coral reef) as a valuable ecosystem that once sustained her people with a healthy seafood diet.

About the Artist

Mahalia Mabo states: “My work is about memories, stories, personal connections and my connection to Country.” As a Saltwater woman, Mahalia has a strong connection to coral reefs and they are a significant part of her identity. She comes from a long line of artists and creatives, and she is an intuitive artist who expresses her Sea Country boldly through vibrant patterns to encourage views to observe reef environments more closely. The reef is a living entity that once supplied her people with an abundant food source. Through her paternal grandfather, she is connected to Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Straits and her paternal grandmother’s Country extends to the Great Barrier Reef and its creation story.