Story
Material & Information
ARTIST: JOEL SAM
ARTWORK NAME: GET UP STAND UP SHOW UP!

ARTWORK STORY
Our people have been through a lot, they have toil and fought against oppression, and we are still fighting the injustice. We have come this far, our people, we are resilient and have endured hardships, but we never gave up.
My artwork display the different patterns which represent people from different clans and tribal group whether indigenous or non-indigenous coming together in unison, ‘stop marking time in one spot’ it’s time to Get Up! challenge the system for change, this is depicted with the clenched fist holding the war club (Gaba Gaba) rising from the land, our ancestors were warriors, Time to Stand Up! make our voice heard.
The Torres Strait Island Dhari featured relates to Identity, as we move forward, Show Up! to address issues within our communities, climate changes, protection of our country both land and sea and sacred sites. In solidarity for our future generations. Sublimation with screen printing.
Material & Info
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Varsity Jackets are available in a range of Deadly Designs. Made with COOLPASS Technology, they are sublimated making them extremely durable and breathable. Perfect for a wide range of events or just a casual look & feel.
- Varsity Jackets are Designed to Compliment a Women's Figure
- Polyester 320gsm 65% | Cotton Fleece 35%
- Biodegradable Packaging that Helps Sustain the Environment
- Moisture-wicking Polyester
- Highly Durable with Resistance to Wrinkles and Shrinking
- Antibacterial Polyester Fabric
- Anti-sweat Properties

Joel Sam
A word from Joel
Joel Sam is a contemporary Indigenous artist residing in Cairns. He is a direct descendant of the clans of Saibai Island where he spent his early years before moving to Bamaga to complete high school, the place he calls home. His work explores his personal engagement with Torres Strait Island culture and family stories through the processes of printmaking and sculpture.
The use of traditional clan Minarel (pattern) embedded within his images is characteristic of Joel’s work. Totemic designs include Umai (dog), Koedal (crocodile), Baydham (shark), Waru (turtle) and Samu (cassowary) connected through ancient familial bonds. Often interwoven, these designs allow Joel to express a more intricate visual language representative of the complexities of his Saibai Island heritage.
Joel Sam
A word from Joel
Joel Sam is a contemporary Indigenous artist residing in Cairns. He is a direct descendant of the clans of Saibai Island where he spent his early years before moving to Bamaga to complete high school, the place he calls home. His work explores his personal engagement with Torres Strait Island culture and family stories through the processes of printmaking and sculpture.
The use of traditional clan Minarel (pattern) embedded within his images is characteristic of Joel’s work. Totemic designs include Umai (dog), Koedal (crocodile), Baydham (shark), Waru (turtle) and Samu (cassowary) connected through ancient familial bonds. Often interwoven, these designs allow Joel to express a more intricate visual language representative of the complexities of his Saibai Island heritage.
BW Tribal is a 100% Australian Indigenous owned and operated Australian brand with our creative hub situated in Brisbane, QLD.