Torres Strait Island Pattern (Coral sea pattern)
Artist
Tatipai Barsa
(1967)
Date1989
Object number00017984
NamePainting
MediumInk, watercolour paint, paper
DimensionsOverall: 566 × 758 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionTorres Strait Island pattern (Coral Sea patterns) by Tatipai Barsa depicting ten black and white marine patterns amidst a colourful background.
For visual reference he has to look back to the intricate patterns of traditional Torres Strait Island carving and plaiting, the kaleidoscope of shaped and colours of the tropical reefs that surround the Islands. He was the first young Islander to express his culture in a contemporary art form, with European materials - to carve lino cuts based on tropical shells, stingrays, fish and coral patternsHistoryTatipai Barsa was born on Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait and grew up watching his father who was a skilled carver create sculptures of the sea animals around them.
After leaving Mer to attend school and later art college on the mainland, Barsa returned to his home to connect with his own stories that are expressed through his work:
"For visual reference he has to look back to the intricate patterns of traditional Torres Strait Island carving and plaiting, the kaleidoscope of shaped and colours of the tropical reefs that surround the Islands. He was the first young Islander to express his culture in a contemporary art form, with European materials - to carve lino cuts based on tropical shells, stingrays, fish and coral patterns."
- Anna Eglitis
Artlink, volume 01
SignificanceTatipai Barsa looks to his home of Murray Island for the inspiration in his work. These exuberant and decorative pieces illustrate well the place that maritime culture occupies in the life of the traditional owners. 
