Devised in 1840 the term ‘Melanesia’ signifies an island inhabited by blacks within the Pacific region. In a bind is a photographic work, that as a starting point, utilises a concept of challenging the separation of human bodies within museum display of historical cultural objects, particularly from Melanesia. Between 1905 and 1975 Papua and New Guinea was a mandated Territory of Australia administered from Queensland. The word ‘Papua’ was adopted from Malay language by a Portuguese explorer, which refers to people with fuzzy hair. Given these historical Western terminologies of a geographical region and adopted languages, In a bind seeks to challenge the viewer between looking at a perceived artefact and the body, whilst revealing derogatory labels that are based on my peoples cultural and physical appearance.
Awards
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Best use of natural light – Centre for Contemporary Photography, CCP Salon 2016
Exhibited
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An Unorthodox Flow of Images, curated by Naomi Cass & Pippa Milne, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne Festival 2017
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CCP Salon 2016 Centre for Contemporary Photography
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Vai Niu Wai Niu Coconut Water, curated by Léuli Eshraghi, Caboolture Regional Art Gallery 2015
