Paula Gel

Date2016

Object number00055287

NameSculpture

MediumGhost net (reclaimed fishing net and rope), polypropylene, plastic trellis, rope and twine

DimensionsOverall: 230 × 1250 × 400 mm, 950 g

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

Terms

DescriptionPaula Gel (green and yellow patterned squid) made by Erub artist Sarah-Dawn Gela 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.HistoryPaula Gel 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. Erub artists are recycling these nets,incorporating other flotsam and making products for enjoyment and use.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.