Shining a ‘Light’ on the Mossman Gorge Microgrid artwork
We are proud to showcase the incredible artwork created by local Eastern Kuku Yalanji artist and Mossman Gorge local Karen Gibson for the Mossman Gorge Microgrid.
Light is a vibrant celebration of Country, culture and connection - an artwork that brings the energy of the Mossman Gorge Microgrid to life through a local First Nations perspective.
Discover more about the artist who created Light and the cultural story woven through the stunning piece.
About the artist – Karen Gibson OAM
Karen Gibson is a talented First Nations artist and respected community leader who grew up in Mossman in Far North Queensland. A nationally recognised artist, Karen has connections to both the Kuku Yalanji and Kuku Ngunkal peoples, and is as dedicated to her community as she is to her art.
Karen’s Aboriginal name, given by her grandfather Dilbael, translates to “poisonous, jealous white flower”. Despite it not reflecting her personality, Karen was unsuccessful in her attempts to persuade her grandfather to change her traditional name.
Karen hopes to come across as respectful, kind and understanding when engaging. Her quiet determination and deep sense of gratitude put others at ease, and she always tries to be humble and compassionate as a leader in the community.
Although Karen always loved drawing as a child, she did not begin her formal artistic journey until 1984. Her work is deeply influenced by her late grandfather, her culture, and the natural environment that surrounds her.
Karen’s artistic style is diverse and expressive, depending on what’s available to influence her in the present moment, with each piece reflecting her emotions and state of mind. She often listens to music that resonates with her feelings, allowing it to guide her creativity and flow into her work.
Karen has contributed her style in artefacts previously sold through the Mossman Gorge Art Gallery. In recent years, she has expanded her practice to explore a range of mediums, including painting and printmaking, with a particular focus on screen printing, lithography and etching. Her work has attracted collectors from across Australia and around the world.
Karen also uses her art as a platform to advocate for social change and to support the development of her community. Her contributions have been widely recognised, including receiving an Order of Australia honour for her role as a Family Responsibilities Commissioner.
She also serves as Chair of the Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Inc. (BBN) Aboriginal Corporation in Mossman Gorge, representing the cultural, social and economic aspirations of the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community.
Through her art and advocacy, Karen continues to create; inspiring and influencing those around her, shining brightly in her own light, as a strong and humble role model for current and future generations.
Karen thanks God for the gift of bringing art into her life so that she might share that blessing and her creations with others.
Find out more about Yalanji Arts.
Working with the community and artist
The inspiration for the microgrid artwork grew from a genuine and respectful journey alongside the Mossman Gorge community. From the outset, the project team took the time to come together with Elders and community leaders on Country - sitting, yarning, and building trust. Through these conversations, we listened and learned about the deep cultural connections to place, the stories held within the landscape, and the values that matter most to the community.
These shared moments helped shape a collective vision for the artwork - one that reflects not only the benefits the microgrid brings, but also the strength, continuity and future of the Mossman Gorge community.
Community representatives then nominated local artist Karen Gibson to bring this vision to life. Guided by the stories, ideas and aspirations shared during the journey, Karen carried these with her and wove them together with her own creative spirit. Drawing on her deep connection and experience in Mossman Gorge community and acknowledging what it might have been like for her ancestors, she created Light - a work that honours the past, reflects the present, and looks forward to the opportunities and energy of generations to come.
The Story of ‘Light’ by Karen Gibson OAM
This painting tells the story of our Ancestors — the light carriers from the beginning of time.
Since time began, Bama have drawn energy from the land, sun, water and spirit. Fire was our first light: it helped us to see in the night, gave us warmth in the cold, and the spark to cook and grow strong. Our Ancestors had Bama and held the sacred responsibility to make and carry fire as they walked across Country, ensuring light’s presence wherever they went.
This was the original renewable energy - drawn from nature, shared with care, and carried with pride and purpose. As time moved forward, the energy transformed, firelight became electric light, but the purpose remained: for us to see, to feel warmth, to live and to thrive.
When storms come and take away our light, we are reminded of its value, and when it returns, we feel an overwhelming sense of excitement and happiness - just as our Ancestors did when fire was sparked anew.
Today, light continues its journey. From the days of long ago when our Ancestors walked Eastern Kuku Yalanji and Kuku Ngunkal Country, to now, energy has evolved - but it still connects us to Country and each other.
The microgrid represents the next step in light’s journey: providing security and assurance, building our community’s resilience and strengthening our future.
Now, it is us who carry the light. With it we honour the past, live in the present, and shape the future for generations to come - walking together with energy, culture, and care.
