In June 2024, we commissioned, Beau Pennefather Motlop, an Aboriginal, Zenadth Kes, and Māori artist, to create an artwork that represents the humanitarian action we undertake, and the strong connection between Australia’s First Nations and Pasifika cultures since time immemorial.
The artwork seeks to honour the rich cultural heritage and histories to which he is linked, while acknowledging and celebrating the cultural connections and shared values that underpin our humanitarian action.
About Beau Pennefather Motlop
Beau Pennefather Motlop was born in Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand). At the age of eight, he moved to Gimuy (Cairns) in Far North Queensland. Beau’s heritage includes the Jirrbal tribe from the Gimuy and surrounding hinterland, and Ngapuhi ancestry from Aotearoa. He is also connected to the Wagedoegam Koedal clan of Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait Islands.
People from the Torres Strait Islands often call themselves Zenadth Kes, a name that reflects the four winds passing through the region, rather than the colonial name “Torres Strait.” Beau’s Zenadth Kes totems are the crocodile, snake, stonefish, and remora. His Jirrbal totem is the dingo.
Beau’s work speaks to the preparation for and recovery from natural disasters or disruptive events. Beau’s Indigenous ancestries, encompassing Aboriginal, Zenadth Kes, and Māori roots, tie his artwork back to the deep historic trade and cultural routes that link the Torres Strait Islands and Arnhem Land with countries and communities across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Beau’s artwork serves to share and celebrate the cultural connections and shared values that underpin our efforts at Australia Assists.
ELEMENTS IN THE ARTWORK
Hands
These symbolise assistance, help and support, the essence of humanitarian assistance. It also represents those in the humanitarian sector who are dedicated to working with local communities and cultures.
Crocodile
This animal symbolises an unbreakable link between the lands, water and the people who have walked, lived and thrived through generations; with the crocodile being a shared spirit (totem) animal across several First Nations and Pacific Island communities.
Cyclone Shells
Cyclone shells resemble the cyclonic events of the Pacific, acknowledging the constant cycle of global weather systems and the never-ending work of humanitarian efforts and disaster resilience.
People
These represent the living network of kinship, strength, compassion and shared responsibility and purpose, acknowledging that everybody is a vital part of a larger story working together to restore balance, dignity and resilience across communities.
Weaving
The ancient practice of weaving and its presence in the artwork represents the resilience and interconnectedness of First Nations and Pasifika cultures since time immemorial. It also represents strength and resilience, as each strand is carefully interwoven to create something strong and functional.
Boats
The boats symbolise human resilience, which sits at the core of humanitarian action. It represents the diversity of humanity navigating challenges and different journeys, such as displacement and the pursuit of safety, equity, and dignity.