Throw Net, Hawaii

John Melville Kelly

An early drypoint by John Kelly, done around 1928-29 while he was living at Black Point, Honolulu, located at Diamond Head. Kelly did a series of etchings of the native fishermen using throw nets from the reefs. In this image the fisherman is casting the net. The strength of the figure of the fisheman as he twists his body dominates the composition.

Kelly noted in the book "John Kelly, Etchings and Drawings of Hawaii" 1943: "Many hazards must be considered by the expert net fisherman. The tide, the position of the sun, the weight, and size of the nets are all related to his success or failure. He must have perfect control and poise, and if expert, is often rewarded with a net filled with glistening fish."

Natasha Roessler Drucker comments on the fisherman prints on page 37 of "John Melville Kelly - Hawaiian Idyll":

"By presenting the fisherman from the back, a classic doppelganger compositional device, Kelly invites the viewer to join the fisherman and stand beside him in his contemplation of nature's forces."