Community
10 September, 2022
Ghost net fish sculptures
A STRIKING sculptural installation comprising seven ‘ghost net’ fish is destined to both surprise and delight visitors at Cairns Airport’s T2 domestic terminal.
The artwork is the creation of seven artists from Pormpuraaw Art & Culture Centre and is the first Public Art Commissioning Project realised in a collaboration between Cairns Airport and Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the eye-catching installation would be a popular addition to the terminal, both for locals and visitors.
“Showcasing this amazing artwork in our terminal sets the tone for tourists visiting our region and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as one of the most unique and important elements of living and holidaying in Far North Queensland,” he said.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with CIAF in a way that physically celebrates and promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and art,” he said.
CIAF Artistic Director Francoise Lane said CIAF values the support of Cairns Airport and the economic value the commissioning project has brought to artists in remote Indigenous communities.
“In working together with Cairns Airport, we are well placed to achieve great things for our artists and indeed, everyone who converges in Cairns – not just for our annual event, but all year round,” Ms Lane said.
According to Paul Jakubowski, the Manager of Pormpuraaw Art & Culture Centre Incorporated, the large-scale ‘ghost net’ sculptures are made from retrieved, discarded fishing nets and are key to highlighting the vital role Traditional Owners and artists play in addressing issues facing the endangered marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Pormpuraaw is honoured to share their art and culture in this way. For the community, who are a saltwater people, this artwork is very special because it celebrates their living oceans,” Mr Jakubowski said.
Featured artists are Mavis Ngok Thaathunpum Benjamin, Mylene Holroyd, Christine Holroyd, Alma Norman, Kim Norman, Marlene Norman and Syd Bruce Shortjoe.
The sculptures represent barramundi, coral trout, red lionfish, potato cod, surgeonfish and Moorish idol.
