TIPOTI NONA | 'Naigai Thonarr' | Monoprint V.E. 003

"Naigai is the South Westerly wind that blows from Mainland Australia signalling the onset of the wet season from December – April. This is the time that the Gainaw (Torres Strait Pigeon) return from Papua New Guinea to the Torres Strait Islands to nest. As soon as the Gainaw has eggs in the nest it signals that the Thupmul, or File Ray – one of the bigger ray species with a wingspan of approximately two metres – is about to rise from the depths of the ocean to give birth. The ray babies are about 60 -70cm at birth and are an excellent food source. Rendered down their fat provides approximately two litres of oil which is then used to rehydrate the meat after it has been processed."
-Tipoti Nona

Tipoti Nona began his arts practice as a carver, honing his skills in wood, mother-of-pearl, and Bailer shell, before branching into lino and monoprints.

In his life as a hunter and fisher Tipoti’s spears are known to be the best - all the balas want one of Tipoti’s waps (traditional dhangal hunting spear) – and it is him the tourists are told about.

Tipoti’s artwork revolves around his life as a traditional hunter, crayfish diver, and fisherman. At heart, both practices share the same quality. To be successful, the artist and hunter must be able to transcend the self and become one with the world around them, whether it be with the dhangal (dugong) as they move through the ocean in search of food, or when achieving the fine, saw-tooth detail of a thupmul’s (file ray) tail.

Cinematic in quality, as though the camera has narrowed its gaze to focus right in on a particular season or event, Tipoti’s art captures the essential details that are missed in the everyday; exciting the viewer to new knowledge and understanding of the world they inhabit.

Tipoti’s artwork is in the Collection of the Australian Embassy in Moscow.

TIPOTI NONA | 'Naigai Thonarr' | 2025 | Monoprint V.E. 003 | 1060 (h) x 780 (w) mm