Resistance - 2018

Ink on Paper

210 x 297 mm

Artist Statement:
Dispossessed commissioned me to design a flyer for their headlining concert which was a fundraiser for RISE:Refugees, Survivors and Ex-detainees, a refugee run asylum seeker and refugee organisation that assists with support and advocacy. This work aims to highlight some of the contemporary issues around race relations within Australia and encompass the lyric themes of the band which are racism and white supremacy, de-colonisation and indigenous rights. This work highlights contemporary conversations around the indigenous struggle such as the detail of the "Im not the problem" shirt. This is a direct reference to young Indigenous activist Tarneen Onus-Williams who caused controversy when she made a speech on January 26, 2018 at the Melbourne Invasion Day protests which mentioned "burning Australia to the ground". She was wearing the t-shirt at the protest and in photos within subsequent articles surrounding the issue. You may also notice the traditional black panther tattoo, this is a nod to the Black panther Party which was a radical, anti-capitalist and pro-black organisation in America. It's member base was African-American but a chapter was established within Australia for Aboriginal activists. The spear held by the central figure is a reference to many indigenous cultures around the world and holds impact beneath the "Destroy White Supremacy" banner. The figure is also mean to be ambiguous to race besides being someone of colour. This highlights the camaraderie many minority groups share when facing similar issues of oppression. The smoke symbolises tear gas and other non-lethal weapons that are used to disrupt often peaceful protests, highlighting the heavy handedness of law enforcement when dealing with controversial public dissent. Despite this work being used for promotional use for a one off show, the details are there for people to interpret and learn from.