My work explores the concept of true ownership and caring for our sacred land from my perspective as an Aboriginal man. Australia’s obsession with real estate is ironic and problematic as it whites out the land’s history. I have used contemporary Western symbols of land/home ownership and incorporated Aboriginal symbols to remind the audience that Australia’s land was stolen. It was not bought or sold and was done so without permission from its people.

Reconciliation means …this may be a challenging artwork for some viewers but it is important part of our shared history that needs to be addressed to move towards reconciliation.

Artist: Declan Walsh – Year 9