Indigenous Invisibility

Author Chris Budden writes that Indigenous women in Australia are the “doubly oppressed”. They are discriminated against not only because they are women, but also because they are Aboriginal – the First Peoples of Australia. One of the key aspects of racism in this country is keeping Indigenous people “invisible” and only allowing them to be visible to “shame them”.

As a Second Peoples woman in Australia, I am part of a colonial system that continues to oppress and prevent these women from enjoying and caring for the land that have lived on for 65,000 + years.

This series of pendants, worn around the neck, seeks to explore issues that surround the oppression of Indigenous women. The numbers that are etched into the faces represent statistics concerning Indigenous women’s experience of poor health, higher rates of violence, underemployment, low wages, imprisonment and murder. These are often overlooked and hidden, unless they are made publicly visible for political or corporate gain. The circular shapes and bright colours pay respectful homage to the powerful dot paintings created by many Aboriginal women artists.

Indigenous women, however, are strong and resilient, continuing to keep culture alive.

This series of eight pendants, is called Indigenous Invisibility. Each pendant is made of etched aluminium that has been powder coated in different colours. A hand spun cord made from machine embroidery thread is hooked inside three layers and riveted using silver or nickel silver wire.

2019

Aluminium, Machine Embroidery Thread, Silver, Nickel Silver, Etching, Powder Coating, Spinning

30 x 10 x 2 cm

Credits

Katherine Grocott
Text

Katherine Grocott
Photographs