Maria’s parents were from Erub Island.  After they were married they later moved to St Pauls Mission on Mua Island where Maria currently resides.  She was raised learning both dialects from West (Kala Lagaw Ya) and East Torres Strait (Meriam Mir).

Maria wants to honour her culture through art and her exhibition title reflects both her East and West Torres Strait heritage.

Nguzu Kara is Maria's first solo exhibition