Magpie Currie passed away peacefully.
Magpie was born into Kuku-yalanji (Cape York) and Minyungbal (Tweed) bloodlines, freshwater and salt water… Mother and Father.
He grew up in both areas, surrounded by extended family, and spiritual and cultural people. Magpie spent his life learning, practising and sharing Culture.
For decades, Magpie was a Cultural Consultant, artist, Elder and Songman.
Throughout his life and career, he worked for Minjungbul Museum and Cultural Centre, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (Cairns).
He collaborated, co-organised events, sung and danced, performed smoking ceremonies and Welcome to Country for community events such as Kinship and Renew Fest, and major festivals such as Bluesfest, Falls Festival and Splendour.
His daughter, Lillian Currie, was often under his wing.
Magpie always said: ‘Our stories and songs run right through nature – so nature has always been an art teacher’.
‘Over the years, my art style has evolved and as such I see myself as a snake shedding its skin, leaving behind the past and reinventing into something new and fresh’.
Magpie’s prolific artworks pay respect to freshwater and saltwater dreaming stories from both his mother and father’s country.
Magpie was a proud man. As new generations emerge, his family, community and our region are left with a rich cultural legacy to celebrate and uphold.
