D Harding, Compositional study in red and blue 2019

D Harding: Compositional study in red and blue (2019)

D Harding's work takes its inspiration from the paintings in and around Carnarvon Gorge in central Queensland, home to Harding's Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal people. Harding's recent works feature outlines of tools at hand in their studio in the same way that everyday objects like boomerangs and spears were stencilled in traditional Aboriginal paintings.

The artwork was created by Harding with the use a shovel handle as a stencil with various indigenous pigments using a variety of techniques. Stencilling forms a core part of Harding's practice in allowing them to perform the same techniques undertaken by their ancestors. Harding’s multi-layered practice gives visual expression to the complex and often painful hidden histories of violence and discrimination enacted against Aboriginal communities. Harding's work also addresses the wider legacies of colonialism and globalisation, reflected through the unique colours.

The creation sequence of the piece was photographed at each step in order to be animated true to their process.

It was projected onto a building façade at the corner of Elizabeth and Edward Street, Brisbane.