Media Release
19 May 2023
A unique exhibition featuring artworks from the Torres Strait opened today at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN) in Jakarta.
Ghost Nets: Awakening the Drifting Giants features 18 hand-woven sculptures made from discarded fishing nets (ghost nets) created by Torres Strait Islander artist collective, Erub Arts.
Inspired by the oceans that connect Australia and Indonesia, this unique exhibition showcases Torres Strait Islander contemporary art and creates a platform to explore a range of shared environmental challenges, including plastic waste reduction and marine conservation.
“Featuring vibrant schools of fish, sea turtles, and a family of giant manta rays, this sculpture collection combines Torres Strait Islander culture, contemporary art, and environmental advocacy,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM.
“The repurposing of these fishing nets not only gives a second life to discarded plastics, it also sparks discussion around ways we can all contribute to plastic waste reduction and become better custodians of our oceans,” she said.
Supported by Qantas Airways, Ghost Nets: Awakening the Drifting Giants will be on show at Museum MACAN until 4 June 2023, before travelling to Bali.
“We are very happy to work with the Australian Embassy to bring this important initiative to Indonesia, to share the creative work of Erub Arts and the culture of the Erubam Torres Strait Islanders artist collective with our audience,” said Mr Aaron Seeto, Director of Museum MACAN.
Supporting the exhibition, the Australian Embassy Jakarta and Museum MACAN will also hold a series of educational workshops and artist talks led by Mr Jimmy John Thaiday and Ms Lavinia Ketchell of Erub Arts.
To learn more about this exhibition visit: www.museummacan.org/exhibition/erubarts
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