Images(2)

Lino block for Malungu

Maker Alick Tipoti (1975)

Date2006

Object number00056319

NameLinoleum

MediumLinoleum, ink, canvas

DimensionsOverall: 304 × 509 × 2 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Alick Tipoti

Terms

DescriptionOne piece of green linoleum used by Alick Tipoti to produce his printed work 'Malungu' (From the Sea), see 00056320. The image cut into the lino shows two men on a canoe with a dhangal (dugong) and waaru (turtle). The man in the left, the buway garka (hunter), has a wap (harpoon) leaning on his shoulder whilst the man in the right is holding a kab (paddle). The patterned background represents the sky - zibazib (sunset) and bani (dawn). These men are returning to their island after hunting the animals, killed in the traditional way of using the wap (harpoon). (00056320.)HistoryThis block of linoleum with the design for the print Malungu incised on it reveals the detailed work undertaken by Alick Tipoti to produce a linocut print. Living and working on Badhu (Mulgrave Island), he is one of a number of artists responsible for introducing printmaking into Torres Strait Islander artistic production particularly through linocuts. As can be seen from the final print, this medium enables the artist to produce finally detailed and complex images drawing on traditional images and patterns.SignificanceThe linoleum block with its incised design for the print Malungu enables visitors to understand the production process and gain an insight into the detailed work required. Created by Alick Tipoti, it is also a reminder of the important role that printmaking, particularly linocuts, has had in preserving and communicating traditional Torres Strait Islander culture.