Billy Missi, 1970- 2012, was a Maluilgal man from Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait. Billy is known as one of the leading printmakers of this region, having exhibited widely and achieved both national and international acclaim. He comes from a respected family of art practitioners and choreographers, from the tribes of Wagedagam, Geomu and Panai in Malu Lilgal (Western Torres Strait).
Etching printed in one colour from one plate with Chine Colle
Edition of 30, 2009
Published by Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking
Image size: 176 x 122 mm
Paper size: 380 x 270 mm
Paper type: Hahnemuhle off white 300 GSM paper and Iwaki
Ink type: Charbonnel
Collaborative printer: Dian Darmansjah
Editioning printer: Dian Darmansjah and Jacinta Numina Waugh
Artist: Billy Missi, 1970- 2015
Tribe: Wagedagam, Gumu, Panai
Totem: Koedal, Kaigas, Dhangal
Language: Kala Lagaw Ya
Born: Waiben, Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait)
Artwork story: "Bonaw is Kala Lagaw Ya dialect for bommie rocks on the reef, where many crayfish are found.
The patterns and the surrounding corals have been inspiring for me when I have been diving for crays over so many years. They are like beautiful gardens. This image represents those colour patterns found on the bommies." - Billy Missi
Catalogue ID: BIMI023 upfront