Ghost net sculptures produced by artists in the remote Cape York community of Pormpuraaw are gaining recognition nationally and internationally, while also sharing the important message about the need to protect Queensland’s unique marine environment.
During 2015 and 2016 Pormpuraaw’s ghost net sculptures were showcased at Adelaide’s Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and Australia: Defending the Oceans at the Heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art exhibition in Monaco.
The Tarnanthi Festival aims to support Australian Indigenous artists through opportunities to create and present significant new works. Pormpuraaw was one of the 40 art centres across Australia invited to exhibit work at the festival in 2015.
In 2016, the Musée Océanographique featured an exhibition of works from Australian Indigenous artists. While the work of Pormpuraaw artists had featured in international exhibitions previously, this event was the first to significantly focus on Pormpuraaw artists, with three works by Sid Bruce Short Joe and Michael Norman presented.
Works exhibited were made from ghost nets; abandoned fishing nets (often illegal) found adrift in the oceans or washed up on local beaches which are leading to species destruction.
October 2015 to April 2016
Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art 2015, Adelaide
Australia: Defending the Oceans at the Heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands Arts, Monaco.
$60,000 – Backing Indigenous Arts Fund
This was the first opportunity for Pormpuraaw artists to attend an international showing of their work. Art workers and artists from the Pormpuraaw Art and Culture centre continued to gain skills and hands-on experience in the selection, cataloging, transportation, marketing and selling of artwork at a major event.
I gained an insight into the art business on the international level and all the complexities involved. I learned how respected Aboriginal art is in Europe. Artist
Arts and culture practices are one of the few important export industries for Pormpuraaw and play an important role in the community both socially and economically.
Staff from the Arts Centre reflected on the positive outcomes of being involved in these exhibitions for themselves and the community.
Both venues are building blocks to establishing our region, state and community [reputation] on a national and international stage. Pormpuraaw is a disadvantaged community with many struggles… .it is a glimmer of hope and inspiration for others.
Pormpuraaw Art & Culture Centre is in discussion with other venues both nationally and internationally to showcase the ghost net sculptures. These new opportunities will provide exposure to new audiences and networking opportunities with new institutions and venues.
Paul Jakubowski
Email: pormpuraawart@gmail.com
Website: http://capeyorkaboriginalart.com/