In Gallery 2, the Un-resettling series (2014) explores the paradox of practising traditional Indigenous culture in National parks, conservation parks and recreational bushland. These public spaces seemingly advertise that Indigenous people still continue a traditional connection to the location, although it is illegal to remove objects or disturb the landscape. This restriction prevents Indigenous people from hunting, gathering food, or removing materials and building Indigenous architectural structures such as fishtraps and dwellings in these public reserves. Un-resettling at NCCArt draws on Tylor’s Un-resettling (happenings) series (8 hand-coloured photographic prints) which is complemented by his Un-resettling (dwellings) series (but not showing at NCCArt). Both series highlight the removal of Indigenous people and their culture from these public areas where the land is only now used for public enjoyment.
James Tylor is a Masters (Visual Art) graduate from the South Australian School of Art, University of South Australia. His work explores Australia’s cultural representation through alternative photography mediums, sculpture, installation and video inspired by his multi-racial heritage involving Aboriginal, English and Maori-Australian ancestry. Tylor’s work features in Australian public and private collections; he is represented by Marshall Arts Gallery, SA; Vivien Anderson Gallery, VIC; and Paul McNamara Gallery, NZ.
James Tylor, ‘Un-resettling (Hunting Kangaroo)’, 2014, hand-coloured inkjet print on photorag paper, 50x 50cm; image courtesy the artist