National NAIDOC - Poster Competition Winner

NAIDOC 2005 Poster Competition Winning Entry Benjamin Hodges, from Kamerunga Queensland, is the winner of the 2005 National NAIDOC Poster Competition

Winning Artist

Benjamin Hodges

Title of Work

LIFT OUR SPIRITS

Description of Work

Sometimes our culture may seem as though it is a heavy burden. Sometimes to exist and gain acceptance in a non-indigenous society, we question the importance of our culture. Would it be easier to leave it behind? Our culture is not excess baggage we can freely dispose of.

The sphere shaped objects represent the non-indigenous society. I have chosen a smoother and rounded 3-dimensional shape as this shape rolls ahead with ease regardless of surface, environment or where it is placed. The huge cube represents Indigenous culture. It appears to be heavy to lift and would be easier to leave behind as it is a lot more complex to move without assistance. Although the cube is larger in size its contents symbolise a personal significance. The size and colour differences also have meaning. The smaller balls appear metallic and cold whereas the cube is visually vibrant and loud with a sense of warmth. The shadows also play an important part. As the sun rises from the east, this represents indigenous people moving toward a new day.

Our bond with immediate and extended family members and giving nature is our fashion. We are identified by our language, customs and dance. We have a future because of our histories bloodline and by working together in unity we carry our culture and lift our spirits.

View winning entry as poster -(463kb PDF)

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