Gallery > Department of Land Theft

Department of Land Theft is a series of work that aims to investigate the role of Government in colonial perpetuation. The artworks subvert and reference Government logos whilst disrupting and inserting pointed amendments to Government department names. The artworks set out to critique the role Government has and continues to play in colonial processes such as the denial of culture to Indigenous people, land theft and the occupation of land.

More broadly, the artworks draw on the hi-vis aesthetic synonymous with the Government supported industries, such as mining and construction, as well as the excessiveness of colonial attire, as seen in portraits such as James Stirling’s displayed at Government House, Perth. These industries are suggested to play a strong role in the current-day perpetuation of colonialism.

Department of Land Theft was shown at The Lobby, Swanbourne in July 2018. The series has continued to be developed since.

Department of Invasion IV
Acrylic, fluorescent pigment and binder on canvas
122cm x 122cm
2019
Department of Land Theft IX
Acrylic, fluorescent pigment and binder on canvas
91cm x 122cm
2019
Department of Land Theft VI
Acrylic, fluorescent pigment, earth and binder on canvas
51cm x 51cm
2019
Department of Land Theft (altering the James Stirling portrait)
Oil, fluorescent pigment, oil pastel and gold leaf on canvas
51cm x 102cm
2018
Department of Land Theft
Acrylic, screenprint and oil pastel on watercolour paper
56cm x 76cm
2018
Department of Occupation
Acrylic, screenprint and oil pastel on watercolour paper
56cm x 76cm
2018
Department of Invasion
Acrylic, fluorescent pigment and oil pastel on watercolour paper
56cm x 76cm
2018
Department of Invasion
Acrylic, fluorescent pigment and oil pastel on watercolour paper
Detail shot
2018