Whale T-Shirt

Show your love for whales with this very special t-shirt, featuring Indigenous humpback whale art from Jirrbal, Wagedoegam, Ngapuhi & Scottish artist Beau Pennefather-Motlop.

Artist Statement: Beau Pennefather Motlop

"Cultural giants - Earth sky and water are connected. Behaviour of ocean and sky animals can signal what’s happening on land and vice versa. When the Green ants build a long torpedo shaped nest (full of the queens) it signifies whether or not a tropical cyclone is coming to your area. The Seven Sisters constellation tells East Coast mob when whales are migrating past their Country.

Background circular patterns are protective spirits for the whales whilst on their journeys. As totems for many language groups, whales represent family and kinship bonds and guardianship.

Patterns within the whales are representing important knowledge and nature indicators that were vital for our Ancestors. Sun and moon, tidal changes, seasonal weather cycles, ocean currents. Also, weaving and linking patterns for strength and resilience."

About the artist: Beau Pennefather Motlop

I grew up in Cairns, Far North Queensland from the age of eight years old. My background includes Aboriginal from the Jirrabal tribe of the Surrounding Cairns region, Torres strait island descendance from the Wagedoegam tribe of Mabuiag Island as well as Ngapuhi from New Zealand. My Torres Strait Island Totems are Crocodile, Snake, Stonefish and Remora. My Aboriginal Totem is Dingo.

2006 is when I started to take my art practice seriously and began experimenting with various mediums including pencil, pastels and acrylic paint I now do the majority of my artwork digitally.

I love to create depth and dimensions with colours and size differences, I use an abundance of detail and intricate patterns, but I also like to balance out my artwork with emptiness and quiet. My motifs and circular patterns are a unique combination drawn from my three Indigenous heritages. 

Regular fit
Crew neck
Mid-weight, 180 GSM, 24-singles cotton
100% combed organic cotton (Grey Marle has 15% viscose)
Quality organic cotton is grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides - GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified
Neck ribbing with twin needle stitch, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double-needle hems, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage

How to measure your size if unsure:

• Lay an existing t-shirt flat.
• Body Width: Measure 3cm below armpit, from one side to the other.
• Body Length: Measure from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the t-shirt.

Note, measurements may vary slightly.