Tommy Pau

Mabersor (Delphinus)

Linocut on paper, 2015, 57cm (h) x 76cm (w)

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Mabersor is the Eastern Torres Strait word for trumpet shell. This artwork is inspired by the artwork Triton Blowing on a Conch Shell by Jacob de Gheyn (III). Eastern Islanders have a place called Dorama Kes where four tides meet. It is said to be where the mermaids live. This artwork is a merman calling sailors through the four tides.

Having toured regional Queensland 2016-2018, Ad Wer: Story of the Stars from Eastern Torres Strait presented a body of linocut print works by Tommy Pau. The artist examined constellations used by the Eastern Islanders of the Torres Strait and their science of astronomy.

The methodology of the Torres Strait Islanders has been careful observation over thousands of years. Each observation recorded and etched into their memories, like experiences passed down orally to the next generation. The Islanders compare these natural seasonal timestamp changes so they are able to predict future planning for agriculture and hunting.

Tommy Pau is descendent of the Eastern Torres Strait Islands, his heritage is Australian Aboriginal, Papua New Guinea, Pacific Islander and Asian. He was born in Guramilbarra/Townsville, North Queensland and lived there as an infant before relocating to Meeanjin/Brisbane, Ti/Thursday Island, Waiben and Gimuy/Cairns. Pau considers himself an artist who is Indigenous, not as an Indigenous artist. His wide ranging professional practice includes sculpture, carving, printmaking, installation work, digital and multimedia, and anything that grabs his interest. He also writes poetry.

 

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