QUEEN'S LAND: Blak Portraiture - Late 19th Century to the Present

Abstract

Background: The 2019 'Queen's Land: Blak Portraiture' exhibition at CAG was a major showcase of the Blood Money research project. It featured two large major works that were commemoratives of Dundalli and Aunty Rose Colless OAM. It promoted these hero's intelligence, perseverance and maneuverability. It did this by illustrating them in large scale water colour in designs mimicking Australian currency banknotes. Both of whom lived their lives within the state borders now referred to as Queensland.

Contribution: Significant events of their lives are also detailed in the design of the creative works. The depiction of these people in such a way contributes to new knowledge of Australian history that is easily accessible to the general public. Of particular note is that CAG approached Dr. Presley to develop a new work for the exhibition. It features Aunty Rose Colless OAM, who was an important part of the establishment of a local housing and rehabilitation services in Cairns and throughout Far North Queensland. She was the first person to ever receive a Human Rights award from the country of Australia. She was a pivotal figure in the successful Native Title bid of the Western Yalanji people. This banknote portrait work helped summarise some of her important achievements and acts as a continuation of her public legacy in an innovative way.

Evidence: Ryan Presley is the only artist to be included and commissioned for this major exhibition that is a researcher from QCA. Evidence of this is also in the fact that CAG commissioned and acquired the new addition to these works (Blood Money - Infinite Dollar Note - Aunty Rose Colless OAM Commemorative) into their permanent collection.