Week 9: Darryl Pfitzner Milika

The artist today discussed his various works one of which was made by commission. He explained that it was necessary that he first spoke to elders to ensure custom and protocol of his people was followed and for their blessing to have the designs used in a public mural. He felt that it was imperative that the Kuarna culture was acknowledge in a way that was tangible to the ancestors and elders of the original inhabitants of the area and of the Adelaide plains.

 

 

The next piece was created with 8 mm marine grade stainless steel and granite. It features an icon which is in essence attempting to hold red granite with stainless steel figure may be an ibis plant or water bird coming out of soil. It bears the concept of growth, birth  and opportunity. The materials were a vital element in translating the purpose and meaning behind this piece too. The marble represents the Italian and Greek immigrants in the area, the black granite honours the aboriginal perspective and the concentric circles at the base resemble those of a tree trunk.

 

Another display of works featured were 10 panels of which are displayed in the migration museum. These are dimensional pieces encased in polished timber boxes with glass doors and bronze hinges. The title of the artists works is usually a play on words. The salt wave represents the colonisation of settlers and the pincers are looking for something to grab hold of. This piece is charged with interpretation.

 

The following is a depiction of the world turned upside down. It focuses on the artists grandmothers poem where she talks about cleaning and that maybe when she dies she will finally get rest. At the beginning of the lecture the artist gave wonderful insight into his family's history and shared details about the origins of his ancestors and how his great grandmother had been a slave/maid for a family of settlers. There is a Tasmania Tiger in this image to symbolise things that are now extinct. Above it is the inversion of mathematic equation which addresses white Australian policies and how despite some being changed 45-50 years ago, even today there is still prejudice towards his people. The equation shows how society tries to dilute Indigenous Australians from being full tribal people to half cast etc.