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Marrkai Gub (Cyclone Larry)

Artist Joel Sam (1977)

Publisher Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking

Date2011

Object number00051500

NameLinocut

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 800 x 610 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionLinocut by Torres Strait Islander artist Joel Sam, representing a major cyclone that devastated Far North Queensland in 2006, Cyclone Larry. His work explores weather patterns, cycles, and other forces of nature, as these are of a high cultural importance both in the present and the past.HistoryArtist's biography: Joel Sam's family lives in Bamaga and originates from Saibai Island. Born on Thursday Island, he currently lives in Cairns, having finished his art studies in 2005 with a Diploma of Art from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Visual Arts Course at the Tropical North Queensland TAFE. Since then he has been developing an art practice and technical skills in the medium of the linocut. Joel's artworks are inspired by his culture, and the images are of sea creatures that live in and around the Torres Strait, such as turtles, squid, the fish of the reef and the shells and corals of the Coral Sea. Joel is a regular exhibitor at KickArts, and Djumbunji Press is publishing several of his new prints. His work is currently taking an exciting new direction. He is focusing on weather patterns, cycles, and occurrences, along with other forces of nature, as these are of a high cultural importance in both past and present days. Artwork statement: Cyclone Larry crossed the coast at Innisfail, Far North Queensland, as a category 4 storm at approximately 6am on 20th March 2006. Cyclone Larry was a lot stronger than the recent Cyclone Anthony (2011) and the previous Cyclone Justin (1997), with wind gusts of up to 240 kilometres per hour recorded near the centre of the storm. Cyclone Larry destroyed many farms and banana crops and a lot of farmers lost their livelihoods.