Utti-Stingray

Date2016

Object number00054944

NameSculpture

MediumAluminium frame, aluminium sheet, aquaculture net, plastic coated wire, sythetic rope, glue

DimensionsOverall: 1800 × 600 × 350 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA three dimensional Utti-Stingray sculpture by Theresa Beeron. The sculpture appears in the shape of giant squid sitting on a pole, with the body made of a blue and grey metal structure with a black mesh underneath. Over the body, on the front, are two silver metal plates in the shape of two stingrays touching each other’s tails. All along the body green and blue rope is intertwined up to the head. On the head are two big circular metal plates with convex metal wires overlapping each other. "My Bagu is a story about the saltwater and the rubbish that washes up on the shore. The bottom of the Bagu represents the jawun, the dilly bag. Jawun was used to carry the Bagu and jiman and the fish they caught and to carry bush tucker they gathered." Artist statement, Theresa Beeron, Girramay/Jirrbal Traditional Owner.HistoryThe form and imagery of the Bagu with Jiman artwork has its origins in the sky. A mystical spirit of fire, would throw the jiman (firesticks) across the sky and a trail of fire would follow. The Bagu is an important tool, it tells the story of culture about fire and water. Things we need for basic survival. They tell the story of water, where there is life there is water. Based on the traditional fire making implements of the Girringun rainforest Aboriginal people, the artists have created artworks to evoke the spirit of the old people. Traditionally, the firesticks were made up of two parts, the Bagu (body) and Jiman (sticks). Bagu is normally made from the boogadilla (milky pine tree) and Jiman are made from mudja (wild guava tree) or jiman. The Bagu form was founded in the shape of a man, and a spirit design was created with traditional clays and the ochre colours are magera yellow, jillan, black with wallaby blood and garba white. In 2009 the Bagu figure was seized upon as the perfect cultural symbol to carry the stories and customs. While there were occasional exceptions to the rule, making the traditional Bagu was normally a male preserve. A group discussion between artists and community elders saw permission granted for ther Bagu to take new form in the hands of artists of both sexes.SignificanceThis sculpture by Theresa Beeron provides a contemporary view of Aboriginal culture and their connection to their saltwater and freshwater environment, their cultural stories and need to address environmental issues affecting their waterways and way of life.
Water management is a significant issue facing the traditional land owners of Queensland. The reference to Bagu, a fire making tool, alludes to the charcoal from the bush burns and land management which would also purify the water, but how can that work today with our waterways full of rubbish and debris. The Bagu's belly is now full of rubbish so it no longer has the ability to purify.