Artworks > The Enquiring Light

Betsheb and her tribal family were found in 1939 after living in the isolated wilderness of South-West Tasmania for nearly a century. During those years, a unique culture had formulated, providing a disturbing challenge when introduced to contemporary conventions.

A Gown for Betsheb is both a portrait and a memorial to a woman who may have existed beyond the Tasmanian folkloric tale.

She was a wild thing amidst classical furniture.

Louis Nowra, The Golden Age, 1985.