Broken Spear and Aquisition made by Cook
Artist
Helen S Tiernan
(born 1952)
Date2017
Object numberV00055133
NamePainting
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 204 × 1373 × 40 mm
Copyright© Helen S Tiernan
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe lower part of this diptych merges references to rock art and enduring Indigenous life over thousands of years, while the broken spear in the upper part references the progressive break in Indigenous lifeways following James Cook's annexation of country (New South Wales) in 1770.SignificanceArtist Helen Tiernan's painting 'Broken Spear - Acquisition by Cook' is significant as an example of modern re-interpretation of colonial history from an Indigenous perspective.
Parent (child)/Child (parent)