Syaw (pronounced 'shaw')
In Kerry's Country there is both saltwater and freshwater, with an abundance of fish. In the olden days, people would go hunting with fish nets woven out of pandanus. Over time, parts of the fish net would rot and need repairing.
Today Syaw is still made, but as more of a decorative object rather than for hunting.

Kerry Madawyn McCarthy was born at Nauiyu Nambiyu in 1975. She is the daughter of an Irish father and an Aboriginal mother. She is the sister of well-known artist, Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty. Kerry was brought up in the Daly River community learning the ways of non-indigenous culture while keeping a deep respect for Aboriginal culture and traditions of her country. Kerry loves to paint and she has a strong connection with her grandparents when she is painting. As a young child, her parents will bring the children together with large pieces of butchers' paper to paint together.
Kerry is creative and precise in her paintings and continually explores new ways of expressing her stories. Her paintings feature fine line work with intricate detail in black & white and rich colours. She spends her time with her children between homes in Bulgul and Darwin.

*Please note artwork will not be shipped until after the 2024 Finalist Exhibition which ends in mid-October 2024.