This new series from Michael Cook entitled The Mission is a 10-part photographic suite which narrates the journey of an Aboriginal woman from her homeland to life on an Aboriginal mission.
"Through the series of ten works, we view the journey of an indigenous woman from her home to the mission, and are witness to the changes that are wrought. Set up as a sort of terrifying institutional bulwark against genocidal colonization, the missions were state administered locations of supposed safety and support for Aboriginals. The missions themselves echo the power dynamics at play in Cook’s work; exterior forces model and remake as they feel, squeezing culture and identity into policy and historical narrative." Shae Nagorcka
Michael Cook is a Brisbane-based photomedia artist of Bidjara heritage. His work has been described by Glenn Iseger-Pilkington as portraying '...colonial narratives through the eyes of Indigenous Australians [and...] shifting post colonial critiques.' He has been a finalist in 2011 Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards and the 2011 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award. Cook won the People's Choice Award at the 2011 Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards also. Most recently, Cook has been named the winner of the 17th annual Deadly Awards - Visual Artist of the Year. The Deadly Awards, held at the Sydney Opera House are the largest Indigenous awards in the country, celebrating achievements in sport, business, education, art and leadership.
He is also participating in the 2nd National Indigenous Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia in May 2012.
Michael Cook has emerged quickly as a contemporary indigenous artist - Since his first exhibition in 2010, Cook’s work has been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia, the Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Monash Gallery of Art, and the Universities of Western Sydney and Wollongong.
After working as a freelance commercial photographer, Cook is now dedicating his time to creating work that develops a connection with his ancestry. An understanding of Australian history and its path through personal stories is developed though Cook’s photography. His works often re-stage stories told by communities and people that Cook finds his inspiration in.
Press release courtesy THIS IS NO FANTASY.
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