A CEREMONIAL FIGURE
Artwork story
The Fred Embrey Sculpture Research Project is a joint project between QAGOMA and the University of Queensland. Led by Michael Aird (Director, UQ Anthropology Museum) and Simon Elliott (Deputy Director, QAGOMA), the project sought to confirm who made the sculpture held by QAGOMA.
A genre of figurative carving without equal in south-east Queensland, Untitled ceremonial figure c.1930s was produced by celebrated Kabi Kabi man Fred Embrey. Embrey’s sculpture is a rare object of national significance.
QAGOMA gratefully acknowledges the Mather Foundation’s generous support of this project.
Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are cautioned that this resource contains images, transcripts and names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms and descriptions. Images of Fred Embrey are used with the family’s permission.
Feature image: Fred Embrey / Kabi Kabi people / Australia QLD c.1880–1939 / Untitled ceremonial figure (detail) c.1930 / Purchased 2020 with funds from the Mather Foundation through the QAGOMA Foundation / Photograph: N Umek, QAGOMA
Digital story related resources
Related resources
The Fred Embrey Sculpture Research Project is a joint research project between the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art and the University of Queensland. The project team thanks Fred Embrey’s family for their invaluable contributions.
REPORT | Lindy Allen, Michael Aird and Paul Memmott
RESEARCHERS | Michael Aird, Lindy Allen, Diana Romano, Paul Memmott and Jessica Kane
PROJECT LEADERS | Michael Aird, UQ and Simon Elliott, QAGOMA
SPONSORS | QAGOMA gratefully acknowledges the Mather Foundation’s generous support of this project.
ETHICS COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT HE001275: The University of Queensland Human Ethics Committee B confirmed on 15/08/2022 that this project meets the requirements of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
PLEASE NOTE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are cautioned that this resource contains images, transcripts and names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms and descriptions. Images of Fred Embrey are used with the family’s permission.
DIGITAL STORY TEAM
This Collection Online Digital Story (2024) is based on the report prepared by Lindy Allen, Michael Aird and Paul Memmott, as well as interviews with Fred Embrey’s descendants and interviews with QAGOMA staff members.
STORY EDITOR | Zenobia Frost
SENIOR EDITOR | Mark Gomes
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MANAGER | Morgan Strong
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER | Nicholas Umek
MOTION DESIGNER | Thomas Renn