Black Lives Matter

Today, due to the medical wisdom of maintaining social distancing, many of us will not be able to support, by our presence, the ‘Black Lives Matter’ public gathering. Over many years we have shared with the public our interest in, and understanding of, the culture, kinship, ceremonies, and ‘connection to country’ of our First Nations People. The many and varied creative practices of Indigenous people have provided a rich insight into a culture which dates back over 60,000 years and helps us, help others learn of the remarkable history of Indigenous peoples on this land.  We still have a long way to go.

Today’s post features images of Indigenous ‘voices’ from around Australia which highlights this challenge.

If cultures are not recognised, understood, appreciated or valued it ‘allows’ a land to be seen by outsiders as ‘Terra nullius‘.

Christian Thompson, of Bidjara ancestry, was the first Indigenous Australian to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Art at Oxford University in 2016. In his series ‘Museum of Others’ Thompson addresses how English luminaries addressed and categorised ‘the other’ which permitted a ‘view’ of Aboriginal people. Thompson stands behind historical portraits in which he has removed the eyes so that his vision is contrasted with their vision. How we see things is dependent on our ‘point of view’.

Wiradjuri artist, Harry Wedge, looked at parallels between colonial history and the current social and environmental issues for Indigenous people. He said that he tried ‘ … to paint what I dream, what I hear on A Current Affair, things you can even hear people talking about on the train … ’. His powerful paintings which are seductively simple, make arresting political statements. His figures, refuse to be silenced and become social commentators and expressing the injustices of the past.

These injustices are poignantly and pointedly expressed by West Australian artist, Julie Dowling of Badimaya background as she locates the struggles of her family in historical, social and political contexts. Similarly, Vernon Ah Kee who is a member of the Kuku Yalandji, Waanji, Yidinji and Gugu Yimithirr peoples, articulates the multiple differences he would now experience if he were not black.

A confluence of factors has again heightened our awareness of the critical need to address this situation. The over representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system, the continuing issue of black deaths in custody, the failure to make much progress as acknowledged in the recent ‘Closing the Gap’ report, the dog-whistling of conservative commentators about ‘white’ Indigenous people, the cavalier approach by mining companies with respect to sacred Aboriginal sites, the failure to advance with Reconciliation….

The death of George Floyd in America, has provided a tipping point and clarion call for change.

As Reko Rennie of the Kamilaroi, Gamilaraay and Gummaroi communities reminds us about Australia’s First People – whether it is in the National Gallery of Victoria or the streets of the city: ‘Always Was, Always Will Be‘.

As I recognise the country of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which I write, I acknowledge my debt to their elders past, present and emerging. It is time for all of us to act in support.