‘Skullcap’ honours Aboriginal servicemen – QAGOMA Blog
Shirley Macnamara lives outdoors Mt Isa in North West Queensland where by she operates a flourishing cattle residence with her son, and is also immersed in her family’s cultural and political research.
In 2013 Macnamara began to make skullcaps, reminiscent of a customary funerary apply for some Aboriginal gals where by their heads have been plastered with white clay or burnt gypsum to variety a cap, masking their hair absolutely. The wearing of this cap could prolong for some time soon after a dying, with successive coatings creating it significant and unpleasant for the widow or woman relative of the deceased.
In Skullcap 2013 (illustrated), Macnamara doesn’t endeavor to imitate the caps uncovered in museum collections and illustrations, alternatively, she intends to honour Aboriginal men who represented Australia in two globe wars, in no way to return to their cherished types. She hopes to assure that Aboriginal troopers are no for a longer period neglected. Skullcap is created from wealthy, pink ochre and is lined with emu feathers, which allude to these utilised to beautify Australian soldiers’ uniform hats (illustrated).
Shirley Macnamara ‘Skullcap’
Gentle Horse slouch hat with emu plume
Acknowledgment of Region
The Queensland Artwork Gallery | Gallery of Contemporary Art acknowledges the Common House owners of the land on which the Gallery stands in Brisbane. We shell out regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders earlier and current and, in the spirit of reconciliation, admit the enormous imaginative contribution Very first Australians make to the artwork and culture of this country.
It is customary in many Indigenous communities not to point out the title or reproduce pictures of the deceased. All such mentions and pictures on the QAGOMA Blog are with permission, nevertheless, care and discretion ought to be exercised.
Reconciliation Motion Program
QAGOMA has introduced its inaugural Reconciliation Motion Prepare (RAP) to information its contributions to reconciliation. Perspective the 2022–24 RAP.
Featured impression detail: Shirley Macnamara Skullcap 2013
#QAGOMA
