NAOMI HOBSON — LIFE ON THE RIVER
13.11.2024—
14.12.2024
Marking the first commercial release of this acclaimed new photographic series, Naomi Hobson’s Life on the River exhibition at Vivien Anderson Gallery captures the vibrant river culture of her community in Coen, Far North Queensland. Each work reflects the deep spiritual connection between her people and the Coen River, known as Wukaanta.
Through these images, the colours of Coen’s wet season are on full display, and, with all the bugs, birds and insects, food gathering and love of the river, this relationship is captured in all its glory. Most importantly, the photographs pay homage to the preservation of Indigenous custodianship of the natural landscape along the river that has been practised for thousands of years.”
— Shonae Hobson, Kaantju/Umpila/Kuuku Ya'u, Independent Curator
The river is spiritually important to us. It represents our history. Our people are buried along the river and there are special birthing sites. The river has fed us for thousands of years — we have laid on the sandbanks and looked at the same star constellations as our ancestors. For us – it’s life. This series of photographs tells our river story.”
— Naomi Hobson
Every wet season, Coen experiences heavy rains, with roads into the community cut off for months on end. The only access into the town is by a two-hour charter flight from Cairns. These restrictions affect people’s ability to travel, meaning more family groups are engaged with the river than at any other time of the year. During this period, the river comes to life, and the wet season is the best time to be in community.”
— Shonae Hobson, Kaantju/Umpila/Kuuku Ya'u, Independent Curator
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