Home-maker #4
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This painting explores what it was like for Aboriginal people to live through the 1950s in (Western) Australia. Using first-hand experience, the artist recounts feelings of displacement, and emotional distance, for those who lived under the assimilation policy. The policy was meant to guide Aboriginal people's entry and inclusion into mainstream Australian society, though only as domestics and labourers.Another important feature of the painting is its depiction of Noongar culture and cultural material. The yorga (Noongar woman) can be seen wearing a booka – an animal-skin cloak traditionally worn and made by Noongar people.
Curatorial insightThis painting explores what it was like for Aboriginal people to live through the 1950s in (Western) Australia. Using first-hand experience, the artist recounts feelings of displacement, and emotional distance, for those who lived under the assimilation policy. The policy was meant to guide Aboriginal people's entry and inclusion into mainstream Australian society, though only as domestics and labourers. Another important feature of the painting is its depiction of Noongar culture and cultural material. The yorga (Noongar woman) can be seen wearing a booka – an animal-skin cloak traditionally worn and made by Noongar people. (AGWA, 2015)