Taripang / Dharripa / Trepang: REMIX

Taripang/Dharripa/Trepang: REMIX presents the history of the trepang (sea cucumber) trade between Makassan seafarers and Australian First Nations peoples from the north, spanning several centuries beginning around 1700. This remixed version of the exhibition, originally presented at the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art in Darwin, brings together works from Babbarra, Milingimbi and Jilamara Art Centres, historic works from the Batchelor Institute Collection, and contemporary pieces exploring this significant cross-cultural exchange.

The exhibition traces the seasonal voyages of Makassan fleets from South Sulawesi, which sailed with north-westerly winds to harvest trepang in Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands, Anindilyakwa Islands, and the Kimberley region. These collaborative relationships—reciprocal negotiations between the two groups—resulted in lasting economic, material, linguistic and cultural exchange. Featured artists include Margaret Rarru, Bulthirrirri Wunungmurra, and Indonesian artist Ipeh Nur, whose printed scroll depicts the elaborate rituals of Makassan and Bugis boatbuilders.

The exhibition contributes to truth-telling of Australia's pre-colonial history and northern trade routes, recognising stories persisted through oral histories, songs and dances across generations following the trade's cessation after 1906–07.