BRIAN ROBINSON | 'Handline Nguruapi Wharf' | Linocut

A pivotal factor in the Islanders’ subsistence lifestyle was mastery at fishing using the various implements and tools on hand. Handline, Ngurupai wharf depicts one such method – the handline. Traditionally fishing was done from the shores or around the reefs either by the use of fishing lines made from vine or vegetable fibre, with hooks fashioned from turtle shell, or with spears. In the Eastern Islands, where large schools of sardines are found along the shoreline, a bamboo scoop (weres) was used.

This print is one in a series of works that looks at the juxtaposition of Torres Strait lifestyle with motifs and mythology from classical Renaissance art.

BRIAN ROBINSON | 'Handline Nguruapi Wharf' | 2011 | Linocut | Paper size: 80 (h) x 60 (w) cm | Image size: 52 (h) x 38 (w) cm | Edition of 40