'Really, the most important, essential thing that we ask as the Indigenous people of Australia is, wholly and solely, right from the very beginning, is the acknowledgement, recognition and respect as the Indigenous peoples of that land…it’s the reason why I have to do the work that I do.’ – Artist's statement.
Ricky Maynard
Ricky Maynard (Pakana people) is from a family that have been mutton birders on the Furneaux Islands for several generations. As part of the concept, he has included Ken Mansell’s words, describing the Spit, to appear next to his photograph. Maynard’s practice seeks to recontextualise colonial history. In 2009, the Museum of Contemporary Art toured a major exhibition of his work, Portrait of a Distant Land. Maynard’s work is held in numerous public and private collections nationally.
Ricky Maynard (born 1953)
Pakana people
The Spit, Babel Island, 2005
‘When we were boys on Babel Island we were sent to our Elders to get flour for our dampers and Johnny cakes to have with our cooked birds. We would cross a stretch of water known as the Spit, walk some thirty miles down the eastern side of Flinders Island into Lady Barron port. We camped overnight and walked all the way back the next day, crossing the Spit with heavy flour bags on our heads, sometimes we would be up to our neck in water.’ – Ken Mansell.
silver gelatin print on paper on paper,
Parliament House Art Collections