BLAK DOUGLAS | Frigid Nation
170 x 55 x 55 cm
Mixed media installation
This installation artwork highlights two distinct culturally divisive elements. Firstly, the vintage Australian made ‘Willow’ aluminium canisters designed to hold the very products that would remunerate Aboriginal peoples under white employ. The sequence here would later be memorialised in the lyrics of Archie Roach’s song ‘Mission ration blues’ (Sensual Being, 2002 - Mushroom Records). Secondly, the rare 1950’s ‘His Masters Voice’ refrigerator. Such fridges were a technological advancement on the ice - box. Both would become a step towards separatism for Aboriginal cultures. In generations prior, communal clans had hunted together, sharing the catch often through ceremonial practice. The concept of the domestic cooling apparatus saw a focus on individual status in accordance with western cultural practices. The fridge here serves as an ‘advertising’ utensil to display my triptych suite of magnets titled ‘Dreadfern’.
170 x 55 x 55 cm
Mixed media installation
This installation artwork highlights two distinct culturally divisive elements. Firstly, the vintage Australian made ‘Willow’ aluminium canisters designed to hold the very products that would remunerate Aboriginal peoples under white employ. The sequence here would later be memorialised in the lyrics of Archie Roach’s song ‘Mission ration blues’ (Sensual Being, 2002 - Mushroom Records). Secondly, the rare 1950’s ‘His Masters Voice’ refrigerator. Such fridges were a technological advancement on the ice - box. Both would become a step towards separatism for Aboriginal cultures. In generations prior, communal clans had hunted together, sharing the catch often through ceremonial practice. The concept of the domestic cooling apparatus saw a focus on individual status in accordance with western cultural practices. The fridge here serves as an ‘advertising’ utensil to display my triptych suite of magnets titled ‘Dreadfern’.
170 x 55 x 55 cm
Mixed media installation
This installation artwork highlights two distinct culturally divisive elements. Firstly, the vintage Australian made ‘Willow’ aluminium canisters designed to hold the very products that would remunerate Aboriginal peoples under white employ. The sequence here would later be memorialised in the lyrics of Archie Roach’s song ‘Mission ration blues’ (Sensual Being, 2002 - Mushroom Records). Secondly, the rare 1950’s ‘His Masters Voice’ refrigerator. Such fridges were a technological advancement on the ice - box. Both would become a step towards separatism for Aboriginal cultures. In generations prior, communal clans had hunted together, sharing the catch often through ceremonial practice. The concept of the domestic cooling apparatus saw a focus on individual status in accordance with western cultural practices. The fridge here serves as an ‘advertising’ utensil to display my triptych suite of magnets titled ‘Dreadfern’.
