November 19, 2021 - December 4, 2021
‘Something Stolen can never be Lost.’ Because it was Stolen, not Lost.
Ripped and torn away from one’s birthright, born “Stolen People Unknown.”
Dispossessed and denied of one’s Sovereignty, live people upon “Stolen Country Unknown”.
Silenced and forbidden voice, sing and dance of “Stolen Culture Unknown.”
Slaving and begging for a dollar, exists “Stolen Wealth Unknown.”
Renamed and shamed, living “Stolen Identity Unknown.
Stolen Lore, Stolen Truth, Stolen Knowledge, Stolen History, Stolen Justice, Stolen Peace, Stolen Freedom, Stolen Health, Stolen Gender, Stolen Future, Stolen Climate, ”Unknown.”
Because, Paradise was never lost, it was Stolen.
Civilisation was never lost, it was Stolen.
Language was never lost, it was Stolen.
Translation was never lost, it was Stolen.
Time was never lost, it was Stolen.
Vision was never lost, it was Stolen.
Habitat was never lost, it was Stolen.
It has been Stolen and labelled “Lost” and “Unknown.”
The “Stolen Unknown.
This exhibition is dedicated to my family and ancestors, on the 150th anniversary year, of what is known today in the Torres Strait as the London Missionary Society “Coming of the Light.” July 1st 1871 -2021.
Erub. Darnley Island, Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia; Ku Ku. Cape York, Queensland, Australia;
Drehu. Lifu Island, New Caledonia; Xaymaca. Jamaica, Caribbean; I-ere. Trinidad, Caribbean;
Alkebulan. Africa.
Clinton Naina, 2021
