Images(4)

Captain James Crook (unmasked)

Artist Jason Wing

Subject or historical figure Captain James Cook (English, 1728 - 1779)

Date2013

Object number00055475

NameSculpture

MediumBronze

DimensionsOverall: 635 × 545 × 270 mm, 25000 g

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionA classical style bronze bust titled 'Captain James Crook (unmasked)' by artist Jason Wing. Through this contemporary piece the Jason Wing challenges foundation narratives of the colonial history of Australia from an Aboriginal perspective; 'The truth is Australia was stolen by armed robbery'. HistoryThe artist Jason Wing is a Sydney-based Biripi artist from NSW who strongly identifies with his Chinese and Aboriginal heritage. He feels that it is really important that the work is in a NSW institution located close to where Cook landed and that there is a great synergy and conversation between the work "Crookie", ANMM and the HMAS ENDEAVOUR replica. This to him is a very exciting and significant site-specific link. 'Captain James Crook (unmasked)' was also created in 2013 whilst working with Liao Sheng Xian. It has never before been publicly exhibited alongside 'Captain James Crook'. SignificanceThis powerful artwork is significant in providing an Indigenous perspective on the dialogue about how Captain Cook 'discovered' Australia, challenging the notion of ownership and Terra Nullius. This was the original work Jason Wing used to create his balaclava clad 'Crook' bust. Originally this piece was displayed with a real balaclava that the audience were asked to take off and put back on 'Crook'.