Billy Missi (20th Century, Torres Straits Islander, 1970-2012), Ap Aw Aidal (Plant Cultivation) (2001), Original Linocut, 48H x 61W cm (frame)

Full Description

- 29 H x 44 W cm (image); 48 H x 61 W cm (frame) - Editioned 22 of 30 lower left corner; titled bottom middle and signed and dated (2001) lower right corner - Missi was a highly acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist and printmaker from the Maluilgal nation (Mabuiag and Moa Islands) in Zenadth Kes - He is widely recognised as a trailblazer of contemporary Torres Strait printmaking, celebrated for translating traditional linocut and woodcarving styles into intricate, high-contrast block prints - Translation of title from the Kala Lagaw Ya language of the Western Torres Straits Islands is "Plant Cultivation" or literally "the cultivation of garden food staples"; in Western Torres Straits Islander traditions, Aidal refers to the systematic care, ritual and cultivation of traditional earth crops - This artwork is a fully official and catalogued part of Missi's published main editions and is identical to prints held in premier national and global museum collections - please see - https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O88600/ap-au-aidal-print-missi-billy/ and https://printsandprintmaking.gov.au/works/25584/artists/ - For more information about this artist, please see - https://northsite.org.au/artists/billy-missi/ - This work is very nicely and professionally framed; frame and work in very good overall condition