Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas to unveil new mural confronting coal damage in Redfern
WHEN: 1pm Friday 17 May
WHERE: 87 Pitt Street, Redfern
WHAT: Dhungatti artist and 2022 Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas is launching his new mural Coalface in Redfern this Friday, conveying the damaging impacts the coal industry has on climate, Country and the environment
Blak Douglas drew inspiration for the artwork from Gomeroi Country in north-west NSW, where coal and gas projects by companies like Whitehaven Coal and Santos are damaging Country.
“My intent with this mural was to depict the fragility of fauna against the wrath of coal mining. I chose to feature the Koala in this instance because what we are consistently finding is that this incredibly cute marsupial remains at the fore of the fight for preservation in NSW, not only in itself but its natural habitat,” Blak Douglas said.
“There is a key element that exists here on this continent that remains spiritually evasive to many, particularly those who observe life through economic eyes. There is a reason for why rare species of flora and fauna exist upon a landscape that contains desirable minerals.”
The mural is being unveiled in the heart of Redfern – a place of staunch First Nations history and creativity – and in the electorate of Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, who has approved five new coal projects since becoming Minister.
Media Contact: for more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Patti Burton on 0451 973 403
BACKGROUND:
Blak Douglas won the Archibald Prize in 2022 for his portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, titled Moby Dickens. Douglas depicted his good friend, Dickens, in the unprecedented 2022 floods in her hometown of Lismore in northern New South Wales, which devastated her community. Blak Douglas also won the Kilgour Prize in 2019, the STILL Award 2020, and was an Archibald Prize finalist five times before winning the esteemed award.