Hesperia: Land looking West
Hesperia: Land looking West brings together a series of artworks that examine the colonial legacy of Western Australia’s first Governor, James Stirling, the man initially responsible for invading Nyoongar boodja (country). Through an interdisciplinary arts practice, the work aims to critique the celebration of his legacy; which contributes to the ongoing concealment of Indigenous experiences and versions of history. A range of processes including reproduction and performance have been used to question the privilege given to the portrait of Stirling in Government House, Perth, and The Presentation Cup guarded by the Western Australian Museum. Through the manipulation of forms and materials, the artworks aim to subvert the colonial legacies by rejecting and disrupting their intended functions as symbols of power and authority.
Hesperia was shown at c3 Contemporary Art Space at the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne in March 2018. The exhibition was supported by a Creative Development Grant from the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. The series has continued to be developed since showing at c3 Contemporary Art Space.
