Tuccherah/Kogarah

“My practice explores the relationship between environment, geography and identity. I often use maps in my work, drawing on toponymy (the study of place names) to probe myths and methodologies around colonisation.

By transposing names and places significant to Aboriginal groups onto old military and topographical maps that depict the land devoid of Aboriginal occupation, I seek to reveal multilayered and multiple histories and perspectives.

This large scale artwork was created in consultation and participation with Kurranulla local senior artists Aunty Deanna and Aunty Annette. Together we combined our artworks into landscapes that depict local animals and important plant species over a coastal geomorphic map which also features local Dharawal language.

The artwork reminds us all of the richness of Aboriginal culture, our survival today and our continued responsibilities to country and community.

The artists would like to acknowledge the lands and seas of the Bidjigal and Gweagal peoples, as well as neighbouring Dharug and Dharawal nations. As proud Wonnarua/Wiradjuri, Bundjalung and Quandamooka artists, we pay our respects to ancestors, elders past and present and young leaders in community.”

- Megan Cope