Treasure Island

Artwork: Daniel Boyd, Kudjla/Gangalu peoples, Far North Queensland born 1982, Treasure Island 2005

We were shown this map at the beginning of this course in order to see just how many different Indigenous communities there are spread across Australia. I've heard that there were some negative connotations towards the simplicity and accuracy of this piece but I feel it's fulfilled a simpler purpose.

I always believed that the 'Aboriginals' in Australia were just one big community, and by looking at this art piece for a split second I could see that all my prior thoughts were incorrect. Though perhaps it may not be highly accurate or lessen the importance of each particular tribe, it still sends that message out that it ISN'T just one big community. It's a start. It gets people to look into it further - and those that are interested in finding out will do so, and will see how complex the situation is. BUT those who are not will still have learnt that there are differences in communities, that there ARE different communities at all. This is why I personally feel this work has already done something to benefit everyone, no matter what flaws it may have.