Page 57 - Tropic Magazine Issue 38

TROPIC • ART

Crocodile country

EXHIBITION 1
Natural wonders of the
Gulf of Carpentaria have
inspired a solo exhibition
featuring the ceramics of In addition, she worked closely with Deb
Eldermire of The Pottery Place in Cairns
Kurtijar artist Shenane Jago at to develop her body of work.
UMI Arts Gallery.

Shenane Jago, from the Far North
Queensland town of Normanton, has
been an artist for many years.
However, My Country of the Norgin My Country is beautiful
(crocodile in Kurtijar language) is her and wild
first solo exhibition. It’s the culmination
of completing UMI Arts’ 2022 Exhibition Shenane Jago
Ready program. Exhibiting Artist
Ms Jago said the exhibition tells a story
about the country she’s connected to. UMI Arts’ Exhibitions Officer, Robyne
“I wish to give people a taste of the Pacey said Ms Jago has used the ancient
country in the Gulf where I am from Japanese technique of Raku firing, which 2
and grew up,” she said. “My art is largely produces colourful glazes. “Shenane Jago: Exhibition Ready
inspired by the environment, colours, and My Country of the Norgin encompasses a The UMI Arts skills-based program
animals that make up my country. Food large collection of 45 newly created provides artists at all stages of their
sources are respected and treated with Raku-fired ceramic works,” careers with training in the nuts and
pride, and as a part of country.” she said. “We are very excited to present bolts of how to prepare and present
Having participated in UMI Arts’ Shenane’s talent and artwork in a their artworks for exhibition
Exhibition Ready program, Shenane dedicated exhibition that features so and sale.
received mentoring by experienced artists many wonderful and colourful ceramic
and was guided through each step of interpretations of crocodile heads and
a gallery exhibition from preparation turtle shells.” The exhibition runs until the MORE: umiarts.com.au
through to promotion. end of October.

Raku firing

This Japanese technique originated in the 16th Century. It’s typically done in
a fuel-burning kiln, rather than an electric fired one. The pottery is removed
while it’s red hot and cooled quickly, often in combustible materials
such as sawdust. The rapid heating and cooling make the ceramics more
vulnerable to breaking, however the reward is an intensity in glazing
colours and textures, along with distinct crack marks. That’s why the
process is used mostly for decorative ceramics rather than practical ones.
3
1. Turtle, Shenane Jago. Ceramic, 28 x 21 x 10cm. Courtesy: Lovegreen Photography 2. Norgin skull, Shenane Jago. Ceramic. 37 x 18 x 10cm. Courtesy: Lovegreen
Photography 3. Shenane Jago removing a ceramic piece from the kiln @ The Pottery Place, Cairns.

57 • tropicnow.com.au