Hidden Treasures of Australian Art

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Description

Crossing the strait between Papua New Guinea and the northernmost shores of Queensland, Australia, program host Griff Rhys Jones meets a culture that was for centuries cut off from the rest of the world. The intriguing, stunningly creative objects produced by Torres Strait Islander artists are infused with mystery and a sense of magic - indeed, their perceived power is so closely guarded that many in the community are reluctant to have them seen by outsiders. To understand what he's encountering and to put it in perspective, Jones must address some questions as objectively as he can. What makes these artworks so striking and so influential? Why are some islanders so reluctant to give up their secrets? And is it possible to explain the enigma of one particularly strange and compelling mask?