Syaw (Fish net)

'Syaw (Fish net)' 2004 is an innovative painting replicating the elaborate and delicate patterning of woven objects such as mats, fish traps and baskets. The subtly shifting colours and the repeated pattern evokes the repetitive action of the weaver's hands give this painting a contemplative quality.

Documentation accompanying the painting states:
"Regina Wilson is a master weaver and colourist, who transforms her indepth knowledge of colour, design and layering to set out the dimensions of a painting. From the tradition of her mother's mother's work, Wilson paints an extensive variety of stitching and weaving designs. Wilson's work is highly sophisticated, displaying the ability of a mature artist even though the medium is new.
This painting represents the stitch and weave of the Syaw or fish net. The weaving method is the same as the stitch used in weaving the warrgarri (dilly bag), except bigger.
The pinbin vine (bush vine) grows near the river and is stripped into fibres which are then woven into the net. The Syaw is used to catch fish, prawns and other edible creatures in the creeks and rivers."

Regina Wilson won the painting prize at the 2003 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award with her painting of the same subject.

© Australian Art Department, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2004