HOME, Lot19 Castlemaine., August 2023
Artist Statement
My art practice explores Australian culture, landscape and identity. Current work investigates the colonial impact on First Nation peoples and contemplates notions of home, dispossession and reconciliation. Further areas of concern examine local and global housing issues impacted by environmental and economic crises. Using the humpy as an iconic muse to explore these issues my practice becomes a personal meditation and necessary recognition towards healing and change.
Home features life-size sculptural humpies made from a range of recycled and repurposed materials including corrugated iron, plastic packaging, advertising material, fake grass, playing cards and bandages. Each humpy is unique, colourful and thought provoking.
The sculptures' reflect notions of home on a broad national scale, confronting colonial imposition and Aboriginal disposition. The internal spaces reveal and challenge the exterior forms. Juxtaposing cultural ideals, sometimes dark realities and other times, power and resilience. They are intended to be entered and experienced.
For me, making art has always been a form of truth telling. It has given me a platform to explore and express various concerns surrounding environmental and social justice and equality. This work aims to acknowledge past wrongs and critique rather than pay tribute to colonisation. By using the humpy as an icon of home l want to acknowledge and celebrate pre-existing and current aboriginal occupation and culture.
Home features life-size sculptural humpies made from a range of recycled and repurposed materials including corrugated iron, plastic packaging, advertising material, fake grass, playing cards and bandages. Each humpy is unique, colourful and thought provoking.
The sculptures' reflect notions of home on a broad national scale, confronting colonial imposition and Aboriginal disposition. The internal spaces reveal and challenge the exterior forms. Juxtaposing cultural ideals, sometimes dark realities and other times, power and resilience. They are intended to be entered and experienced.
For me, making art has always been a form of truth telling. It has given me a platform to explore and express various concerns surrounding environmental and social justice and equality. This work aims to acknowledge past wrongs and critique rather than pay tribute to colonisation. By using the humpy as an icon of home l want to acknowledge and celebrate pre-existing and current aboriginal occupation and culture.
