Hunting Men

 

Medium

enamel and oils on board

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Have you ever driven up the Midlands Highway at 110 km an hour, gazing at the vast plains and the great, blue, vaulted sky and wondered who went before? I see people going about their lives, hunting, gathering, managing the land and flourishing. But then, I hear galloping horses with armed riders, hunting men, hunting men. 

 

My interest in the impact of white settlement in Tasmania was sparked when I researched the stories behind ‘The First Execution’, my ancestor, W.F.E Liardet’s water colour (State Library of Victoria).  I have been painting the plight of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner and their colleagues, Truganini, Pyterruner and Planobeena over the last five years.