Ian Farrell, Council Circle 2006

Artwork

This painting formed part of a large exhibit exploring material culture in modern Native American/Indigenous cultural groups and the effects of continued transitions through constant cultural misconceptions versus realities.

The left side represents the People of the Land; the white beaded shell-like eyes are the original inhabitants of Turtle Island (a name given to North/South America by Native groups), appearing from delicate golden leaves in a rich natural landscape.

The centre left unifies the complex relationship of trade and commerce between both Native and European, linking the past with our present. The Red Earth marks a place where the powers of cultural exchange are interconnected by valour and esteem. People are joined by the circles as one people, connected through time, place and memory. The two beaded geometric designs in purple and white are stereotypical designs attributed to all native cultures by popular culture and the ‘cultural primitive’ ideology.

The right side represents the East and vast Atlantic Ocean, the yellow line unifies earth and sky, while the black line epitomises death and the edge of the world. The pink dots are speckles of light from the sun while the four circles are the ripples of time dispersing.

Artist

Ian hopes this painting continues to challenge viewer perceptions on indigenous cultures and the ever-changing dynamic of the human experience. In this work, he used Italian and Czechoslovakian glass seed beads, acrylic paint, varnish, thread, wood, and canvas. Through these materials, the painting weaves together the complexity and intrigue attributed to cultural differences, materials and their importance in identity.