Victorious

Artist Brian Robinson (1973)

Date1995

Object number00031661

NameLinocut

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsD fini frame.

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA black and white linocut print titled 'Victorious' by Brian Robinson. The image depicts three warriors on a sail boat with headdresses on and weapons raised.Beneath the boat swirls the ocean with rays amnd The traditional culture of Torres Strait Islanders was one which glorified fighting and held warriors in high esteem. The raised arms of the warriors wield the tools of hunting that also have ritual significance.HistoryArtist's statement: "The traditional culture of Torres Strait Islanders was one that glorified fighting and held warriors in high esteem. The Island warrior ready for battle with his bow and arrows, stone club, war headdress and body decoration was an awesome sight and formidable foe. He was a fierce head-hunter whose collection of skulls showed the measure of his prowess and it was believed that he would possess the strength of his enemies by keeping these items close by. Early European travellers throughout the Strait have written of the strength and bravery of the Islanders in battle even against ship’s crew firing rifles and cannons at the advancing canoes. Warfare in the Torres Strait resulted in 'pay back' a cycle of revenge killings which was the basis of much inter-island warfare. Coupled with this was the art of treachery and cunning, a common practice amongst the warrior code. It was not uncommon for sneak attacks to be made on women in gardens or lone fishermen on reefs. Dawn attacks were favoured as it was assumed that sleeping communities were off guard." - Brian Robinson triebSTUDIO SignificanceBrian Robinson is a contemporary artist whose practice combines his Indigenous heritage (Torres Strait Islander and Cape York Aboriginal) with current arts practice.