8. Bauble by JESSIE MORDEY

Jessie Mordey, Acrylic Paint, L 10cm, W 10cm, D 10cm. 

Jessie Mordey is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Tamwoy Town, Waiben (Thursday Island), with ancestral ties to the Dauareb and Komet Clans, as well as the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation and Wakaid Clan from Badhu (Badu) Island.

In February 2024, Jessie and her daughter Tori-Jay Mordey had an exhibition in the Vault Gallery.  Apu a Neur (Mother &  Daughter) was a bright and vibrant exhibition of paintings inspired by the Torres Strait accompanied by an installation of nets hung on the walls with woven fish, seashells, frangipanis, and hibiscus flowers. She was also a part of Aboriginal Art Co's exhibition booth at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. 

Her work reflects a deep connection to her family, heritage, and cultural identity, with totems passed down through generations grounding her sense of belonging. Jessie’s intricate patterns are inspired by the body art and artifacts of Torres Strait Islander peoples. Each symbol carries profound meaning, representing the essence of her culture and serving as a visual reference to Torres Strait Islander identity. Through her art, Jessie honors her ancestry and the rich traditions of her people. In February 2024, Aboriginal Art Co had the privilege of hosting Apu a Neur Apu a Neur, an exhibition featuring Jessie Mordey and her daughter, Tori-Jay Mordey. This powerful exhibition showcased the intertwined cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and personal narratives passed down between mother and daughter, offering a unique insight into the continuity of Torres Strait Islander art and identity across generations.