Description
Gourds Out For Jackson (2020)
By Elizabeth Solich, oil on canvas, recycled materials.
Width: 91.40 cm Height: 61.00 cm
The Port Jackson shark is named for the famed and stunning natural harbor of Sydney, Australia. It is also sometimes called the “Oyster Crusher”. It is a distinctive species that is pretty much impossible to misidentify. This shark has a bizarre, alien look enhanced by the unusual mouth and arched ridges over the eyes. This species can eat and breathe at the same time and usually pose no danger to humans. It feeds on hard-shelled mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins, and fish. They all have different personalities, and reveal complex social behaviour with individuals forming stable bonds. Much like some Saturday nights on the town, female sharks tend to interact with each other and avoid males, but males direct their attention towards females. Although Port Jackson sharks are not targeted by commercial and recreational fishermen, they are sadly a common bycatch. Their habitat destruction and their habit of gathering in groups puts them at risk.. In Nov 18, 2017 – The Sunday Mail has obtained horrific evidence that shows small Port Jackson sharks, juvenile bronze whalers and various species of rays have been cruelly killed or left to die at popular beaches.
