This piece is available framed ($Neg)

32 DN097
Dennis Nona Baidam - Shark Constellation 2006
Linocut Paper: 1080 x 2530mm, Framed: 1255 x 2703mm $7750
Baidam translated is "shark". This artwork is about a constellation of stars (Zugubau Thithuyial). This
constellation consists of seven stars, which the Aboriginal people call the Seven Sisters. My people call it the
shark constellation. The stars were used for navigation. They also provide knowledge about the seasons and
for gardening fruit and vegetables. In about July/August the shark constellation will level itself across the
horizon of New Guinea. At seven or eight o'clock you will see it parallel to New Guinea. At this time the wind
drops. Around this time we begin planting vegetables and fruit: Cassava, Dawai (banana), Guru (sugar cane),
Taro /Urrgubau (sweetpotato). Those are the main ones planted when the shark lies across the horizon. When it
becomes calm in the Torres Strait, around this time, a grease forms on the surface of the sea. I have shown this
in the artwork. The grease is called "Baidam aw id" - "when the shark liver has melted on the sea". At this time it
is also sharkmating season: a dangerous time in the sea. The shark constellation rotates throughout the year. In
February, when you see the stars beginning to shine, that's the shark.
Medium: Linocut
Edition Size 35
Printer: Theo Trembley
Studio: Editions Tremblay NFP
Linocut Created At: Brisbane, QLD on February, 2006
Print Published: Brisbane, QLD on February, 2006
Paper: Saunders Waterford CP, 300gsm
Paper Height: 1,060 mm ( 41.7" )
Paper Width: 2,350 mm ( 92.5" )
Image Height: 940 mm ( 37.0" )
Image Width: 2,390 mm ( 94.1" )
I.D. : DN097