Thoughts on first contact

Thoughts on first contact

2006

Australian, born 1969

"I thought of the Dutch vessels and the idea of the wooden hulls containing and protecting the sailors from the harsh environment outside. The hull, and in particular the ribs of a ship, protect the lives within, just as the ribs of an animal protect its organs. Dutch ship-building during the seventeenth century was in its prime. In contrast to this technology, the ships sailed into primeval territory. In 1621 the Leeuwin came into contact with Nyoongar boodja (land), home to the humpback whale, the southern giant petrel and of course the Nyoongar people. My research into the Dutch voyages has parallels with much of the research I have undertaken on my own people: the gathering together of pieces of information to construct a complete picture." --Chris Pease

Lithograph in two colors, printed from two aluminium plates

Image: 15 3/4 x 23 5/8in. (40 x 60cm)

Sheet: 22 1/16 x 29 15/16in. (56 x 76cm)

Gift of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

2007.81.8

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

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