Friday 2 - Sunday 18 August 24 hrs

Waymaker

Vicki Saylor & Pippa Samaya

Waymaker is a captivating art exhibition that celebrates the wisdom and strength of First Nations Elders of North Queensland using the ubiquitous and popular mode of commuter advertising, the billboard. Conceived and curated by Vicki Saylor and brought to life by photographer Pippa Samaya, Waymaker transforms everyday billboards into powerful platforms.

Following the success of PUNQ’s 2021 First Nations billboard Art exhibition, Both Ways, Waymaker is created in collaboration with ten Elders and Elder groups chosen through community consultation. Each billboard showcases a unique portrait co-created with the Elders themselves, reflecting a defining aspect of their life story and their immense contribution to our region.

This exhibition illuminates First Nations stories of the lands traversed between Warrgamay, Nywaigi & Bandjin Country / Hinchinbrook through Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country / Townsville to Gudjal Country / Charters Towers, those creative portraits will elevate our Indigenous Elders’ stories into the mainstream and expand our national narratives.

This project is commissioned by PUNQ and has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.

About The Artist

Vicki Saylor is Manbarra Traditional Owner. Vicki is a passionate North Queensland local dedicated to collaborating towards achieving positive outcomes for the Palm Island community and Indigenous youths. Vicki has been actively involved in cultural engagement and as a community liaison for more than 30 years. She has worked across community, government, and private enterprise. Vicki feels humbled by the opportunity to have been raised with a responsibility to be a role model and representative for the community and the country she represents.

Pippa Samaya is a Gurambilbarra / Townsville based photographer/filmmaker with two overlapping specialisations of practice: dance/movement, and humanitarian documentary. Awards include two-time winner of the International 60 Second Dance Film Competition (Denmark/Finland), Two time winner of an Australian Dance Award for Excellence in Dance on Film, double win at the SALON exhibit at CCP (AU), Best Film at FAD Film Festival (US), The Berlin motion picture festival (DE), the International portrait film festival(BUL), Best Music Video at the NIMA awards(AU), finalist in the National Photography Prize(AU), the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, The Association of Photographers(AOP) (UK) awards and IRIS portraiture prize (PCP). Pippa has worked extensively with the dance and portrait industry in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Pippa’s humanitarian documentary work evolved from several years traveling with NGO One Voice to remote villages in India and Nicaragua, and a Syrian Refugee camp in Greece, documenting human experience and connection through co-creation.