Whalecome to Country
Artist: Blak Douglas
“Over my 17 years residing in Redfern, I’ve witnessed a succession of foreign Aboriginal entities orchestrate a very lucrative Land Council. This artwork is designed to spark conversation regarding cultural protocols (or lack thereof). I’ve observed the same fictitious ‘welcome to country’ by self anointed ‘elders’ which has consistently served as nothing more than a persuasive performance designed to brainwash the layperson. An ‘elder’ in Sydney is markedly different than an elder within a remote community. The interests lay purely in economics today rather than a bonafide cultural spirituality.”
Blak Douglas
Blak Douglas is a contemporary artist with proud Dhungatti Aboriginal origins. His works are culturally and politically charged, with a sense of sarcasm and a unique vision of Australia’s history and current social inequities. After being a four-time Archibald Prize finalist, he won the Archibald Prize this year.
Like Blak Douglas, this place is no stranger to political activism. In response to appalling working conditions at wharves and factories here in the mid-1800s, the Australian Trade Union movement took shape. The first industrial action by wharfies and seafarers was in 1837, when a strike stopped work outfitting whaling ships here. They were demanding an extra shilling a day.
First Nations Audio Narrative: With thanks to our Indigenous Cultural Advisors, Aunty Jo Selfe and Uncle Graham Toomey, and special contributors who have generously shared important stories of place. Listen to the First Nations Audio Narrative here.
Charity Auction
Love Whale Tales? Want to keep one?
You can! After the Waterfront Whale Tales trail concludes, all 30 sculptures will be offered for purchase at a dedicated art auction at Sydney Maritime Museum, Terrace Room.
The net proceeds from the auction will go to The Kids’ Cancer Project.
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