Researcher dives into the colourful world of parrotfish
CQUniversity Master of Research candidate Michelle Brayshaw is blending science and art through a free exhibition showcasing the beauty of the parrotfish.
Titled Sex-change, Screens, and the Secret Signals of the Scarini, the unique display includes 53 paintings and digital prints developed from research on the Great Barrier Reef.
“My research involved over 200 hours of observation, photography, and journaling which showed insights into the timing and nature of colour changes in parrotfish,” Michelle said.
“These findings have been communicated in immersive artistic experience, offering visitors a chance to witness and learn about the vibrant colour transitions of these reef-dwelling fish.”
Michelle explained that the exhibition documents the parrotfish’s three life phases, each with different colours and patterns associated with them.
“The baby phase is called the juvenile phase – and most of these fish are females.
The next phase is the initial. The main colourings at this phase are yellows, reds and browns. As initial, they can change gender, moving from female to male through a six-week transition stage,” she said.
“The final phase which encompasses all adult male parrotfish has the unfortunate title, terminal. Terminal parrotfish display all colours and are exceptionally beautiful. Real reef showstoppers”
“In addition, these amazing fish have the ability to rapidly move pigments around their bodies and take advantage of structural lighting conditions, resulting in spectacular visual displays. This ability also helps them to camouflage into their substrate surroundings.”
CQUniversity’s Dr Ashley Holmes is Michelle's creative practice supervisor, in conjunction with associate supervisor and marine scientist Professor Justin Marshall.
Sex-change, Screens, and the Secret Signals of the Scarini is at Tanks Art Centre in Cairns util 23 February 2025.
