NAOMI GREEN
‘Self’-Determination

2022
acrylic on canvas
80 x 100cm

This painting represents the many social, political, and economic systems which work against First Nations people (and other marginalised groups) which mean that the idea of self- determination – is a lie.

The blue cage in the centre represents both a physical prison in a society where economic disadvantage and a biased legal system mean that Aboriginal people remain “the most incarcerated people on the planet”1. Metaphorically, it also refers to disempowerment due to economic disadvantage resulting from the intergenerational effects of slavery and stolen land. The eyes in this work portray racism, judgement and stereotypes and the resulting extra surveillance experienced by Indigenous people.

1 Noel Pearson, speaking on Q&A, May 29, 2017.