Ghost net artwork on show at Townsville’s Ephemera

Story And Pics

BY ALF WILSON

Waiben’s Tagai College and Erub

Arts contributed to a ‘Ghost Net Collective Spiral’ entry which was amongst 31 Ephemera artworks holding pride of place along Townsville’s scenic Strand over the past week, and until Sunday 6 August.

The Seaside Sculptures along the sea shore featured 30 new artworks from Australia, Canada and the United States.

The internationally recognised biennial competition has been running for 22 years and includes six non-competitive invited artists and 25 competitive artists.

It was officially opened last Saturday when hundreds took part in a walk past.

The Ghost Net Collective was led by Marion Gaemers and

Lynnette Griffiths.

The Torres News spoke to Saibai Islander Cynthia Enosa who was there with her daughters Tarlena, aged 14, and Jondera, six.

“I was involved in a community project on Saibai about this and ghost have a big impact on sea life,” she said.

“It is good to see this here.”

Former Cowboys and West Tigers NRL star Robert Lui was also there with family members including his son Michael Lui, five, and baby niece Carrisa Backo, three months old.

“Ghost nets affect sea life in Torres Strait waters and down here in Townsville,” Robert said.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Ephemera was a worldrenowned art exhibition that had helped shine a spotlight on Townsville for more than 20 years.

“Ephemera attracts tens of thousands of visitors to The Strand every two years, providing an essential boost to Townsville’s economy,” Cr Hill said.

“This free seaside exhibition is a drawcard not only for locals who gather along the foreshore to experience the Ephemera magic, but also for tourists who travel from far and wide to enjoy this outstanding display of public art.”