Emarr Totol / Emarr the Turtle

From September 25 to September 29, Ocean Space is hosting the artwork Emarr Totol / Emarr the Turtle (2017) as part of the collaboration with Fondation Opale, TBA21–Academy’s cultural partner.

Emarr Totol / Emarr the Turtle (2017) is a collaborative work that was completed by Erub artists: Ellarose Savage (1969), Rachel Emma Gela (1954), Ethel Charlie (1959), Florence Gutchen (1961), Jimmy John Thaiday (1978), Jimmy Kenny Thaiday (1987), Lavinia Ketchell (1993), Lorenzo Ketchell (1993), Nancy Naawi (1958), Racy Oui-Pitt (1953) & Lynnette Griffiths (1963), Marion Gaemers (1958).

It is made of recycled ghost nets, rope and twine over a steel frame.

Erub artists – in the Torres Strait Islands archipelago, north east of Australia – have worked hard to develop their own artistic identity. Ghost nets are fishing nets abandoned or lost at sea by fishermen, endangering therefore the marine life. The Erub artists continue the message of the importance of looking after our oceans through art as Ghost nets are destroying Australia's ocean life.

Emarr - meaning “to send off” - was named so because the Meuram people would stand at Emarr Paser (the hill) to send their hunters off to Emarr reef.

The turtle holds deep cultural significance for the people of Erub, representing both a sacred tribal totem and a traditional symbol within ceremonies and community gatherings.

Emarr Reef, visible to the east from the northern hill of Erub, is renowned within the community for its connection to turtle traditions. The turtles that inhabit these waters are respected for their role in sustaining the community, both nutritionally and spiritually. The practice of gathering turtles is carried out with deep respect for the environment and the creatures themselves, in accordance with long-standing traditions.

In recognizing the importance of these practices, it's crucial to emphasize the community's commitment to preserving the ocean and its ecosystems. This includes raising awareness about the impacts of marine debris, such as ghost nets, which threaten the marine life that is so vital to Erub’s nature and culture.

“We must respect the ocean because we need to make sure that we have turtles for the future. We only take what we need”.

Established in 2018 in Lens / Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Fondation Opale is the sole contemporary art center dedicated to the promotion of Indigenous Australian artists in Europe. It promotes dialogue between cultures and peoples through art.