Powerful Message Behind Indigenous Australian Artist's Face Masks
As the increased demand for face masks continues amid Australia’s second wave of the coronavirus, First Nations artist Madison Connors has been working around the clock to meet customers’ orders.
The Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi woman is selling four designs through her business Yarli Creative, with each mask featuring an original Aboriginal artwork print.
“Yarli Creative has had a hugely positive response thus far, and people are concerned about timely access given the requirements that are now in place in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire,” Connors told HuffPost Australia just before the Victoria-wide mask rule was enforced.
Each $35 face mask tells a story of “creation” and Indigenous culture. There are four main designs: Nitel (which translates to “gather” in Yorta Yorta language), Mulana Dreamings (mulana translates to “spirit” in Yorta Yorta language) and Power of Solidarity, which comes in two colour variations.
Power of Solidarity (two colour variations)
The Power of Solidarity masks depict raised fists amongst red, brown, yellow and black prints. Connors said the design reflects First Nations people “still fighting for redress of past injustices” as a result of colonisation.
When the British colonised Australia, Indigenous people were victims of violence, forcibly removed from homes, separated from family and placed in missions and reserves.
“This image depicts the strength of First Nations peoples, and shows the power of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’,” she said, adding the fist print shows the diversity of the community.
“The fists in the middle of the image represent unity of our people. I wanted to share that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people come in all different shades, so the fists are varied in colour, just like us.”
The earthy colours reflect First Nations people’s connection to country that “crosses deep through many generations and runs through our blood”.
Nitel
