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Betty
Betty

Betty

Date2016
Object number00055268
NameSculpture
MediumGhost net (reclaimed fishing net and rope), polypropylene, rope and twine
DimensionsOverall: 120 × 530 × 210 mm, 185 g
Copyright© Nancy Kiwat
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased by the ANMM Foundation with the assistance of Sid Faithfull and Christine Sadler Program supporting Contemporary Indigenous Maritime Heritage in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait
DescriptionBetty (jellyfish) made by Erub artist Nancy Kiwat from Darnley Island in the Torres Strait using ghost-net. Ghost-nets are nets discarded by fisherman at sea that continue to float, often entangling turtles, dugong and other marine animals, before washing up on the shore. In northern Australia where the problem is acute, local artists are using ghost-nets as a medium for highlighting the problem, creating stunning works of animals caught in the nets and works that reflect cultural stories and ways of life in the Torres Strait Islands.History"A variety of jellyfish live in the waters around our island. When the sea is calm, colourful jellyfish can be seen moving with the currents. This jellyfish has been created by stitching reclaimed fishing net, rope and twine. Reclaimed fishing nets (also known as ghost nets) are derelict fishing nets that drift aimlessly at sea indiscriminately fishing, killing turtles, other creatures and tangling boat propellers. We are recycling these nets, incorporating other flotsam and making products for enjoyment and use." - Erub Erwer Meta Arts Centre, Erub Erwer Meta Torres Strait Islander Corporation.SignificanceUsing a cross-cultural and collaborative model Erub Arts is leading the way in large sculptural forms constructed using Ghost Net, producing woven, wrapped and twined statements about traditional and contemporary island life.