ARTIST STATEMENT
When it comes to acknowledging cultural ignorance, Australia presents repetitive and non-conclusive behaviour disregarding these actions until forced to spew an apology. Knowledge displayed in various visual languages gives artists the power to communicate sensitive topics in a confrontational yet engaging way to their audience. By combining visual techniques with our knowledge, we advocate for those without voices.
"Surveyed" explores my personal interpretation of the exploitation and deception of South Sea Islander labour upon which Bundaberg's fortune was built. Each poster features a faceless man, portraying Edward Turner, the original ‘undetectable’ owner of Sunny Side Farm.
ARTWORK PROCESS
My visual expression created contrasting juxtapositions between the antique surveyor map paired with bold illustrations of unrecognizable businessmen to inform the historical theme and portray the white power embedded in Australia’s culture.
The repeated process of overlaying the original illustrations on the third poster symbolises the mass exploitation of slave labour to build wealth for white Australian’s. Surveyed explores my personal interpretation of the exploitation and deception of South Sea Islander labour upon which Bundaberg's fortune was built. Each poster features a faceless man, portraying Edward Turner, the original ‘undetectable’ owner of Sunny Side Farm.