Shearers
Shearers
YEAR. 2013
MEDIUM. charcoal and acrylic on cement fibreboard
DIMENSIONS. 120 x 90cm each
EXHIBITION HISTORY.
2013 Curtin University Graduation Show
2014 Finalist, Paul Guest Prize, Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo, VIC
COLLECTION. Available L-R 3, 6, 7
The iconic image of the shearer at work is deeply embedded in the public
imagination as an archetypal contribution to Australian social history.
Epitomising the blue-collar spirit of hard work, mateship and masculinity the
image of the shearer has been historicised in service of a romantic nationalist
narrative. This body of work explores the contemporary experience of the
shearer, looking at individuals within the industry today. Spending time with a
group of working shearers I have chosen to look at them in repose, ‘smoko’
providing a brief respite from the hours of repetitive, rigorously scheduled
work. It is the uniform of weathered hands, scars, singlets and moccasins
that unite them, at home with a struggling sheep more than polite company.
Sons, fathers, grandfathers, ex-cons and misfits sweating out a scratchy
income in the shed.