ECTOPIA

Yhonnie Scarce

Friday 26th August 2011 - Saturday 1st October 2011

CCAS Gorman CUBE

For the first time, Canberra audiences will be treated to three of Scarce's most iconic works in Ectopia. Each of these pieces explores the historic persecution of the Aboriginal culture as a result of colonization. Her work is highly political, but these views are often expressed through the personal, as she uses her own family history and lived experience to expose larger cultural and social issues within Australia. Scarce was born in Woomera, South Australia, and belongs to the Kokatha and Nukunu peoples.

Glass can be both an incredibly strong yet intensely fragile material and Scarce is drawn to these strong dichotomies. As a metaphor for Aboriginal culture and experience of the effects of colonisation it has a remarkable impact. As the artist states, "if glass breaks, it's always going to leave something behind". Aboriginal culture has been brought to its breaking point by colonization and subsequent persecution, yet it remains intact and hopeful for the future. Exploring our history through art not only reminds people of the tragedies of the past, but can reclaim that history for Indigenous Australians. (Vanessa Wright, 2011)

Image: Yvonne Scarce, The Day We Went Away, 2004/2010, Blown glass and found suitcase, forty components