Collection Details

Name/Title(thinking about) Country

About this objectThis large-scale artwork is made of twenty individual works on paper and explores the local area as Dharug Country. Alexandra Byrne worked in consultation with Dharug artist, Venessa Possum, to create a series of artworks for the exhibition, Terra inFirma: Sovereignty and Memory at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre in 2021, curated by Paul Howard.

Artist statement:
'This project provided me with opportunities to reflect publicly on 250 years of colonisation and settler history in this country, as a witness, participant and non-First Nations Australian, born here and growing up in Western Sydney.

Taking a personal approach, I’ve drawn from my memories; their inspirations, aspirations, perceptions and awareness. It follows my understanding and way of being in the world developing from childhood through adulthood with increasing knowledge of colonial impact on indigenous custodians of this country, and thinking locally, on Dharug land and its people.

These drawings are about place and the physical and psychological spaces I inhabit. These places span geography, cultures and time. They evoke stories that are conflicted, hurtful and damaging alongside others that are also inspired, hopeful and connected. What does this mean for us Australians now?

…I acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded here, and this is only
the beginning of my learning with you…'

Statement by Venessa Possum:
'It was a joy to yarn with Alex Byrne and support her process of manifesting a heartfelt, lifetime connection to Dharug ngurra badu country and rivers. The mentoring role established by Blacktown Arts for Terra inFirma paid significant homage to the values of cross-cultural communications as a positive step in Australian visual arts.'

MakerByrne, Alexander

Maker RoleArtist

MakerBarahanos, Tina

Maker RoleAssistant printer

MakerPossum, Venessa

Maker RoleCultural consultant

Date Made2021

Medium and MaterialsCharcoal, intaglio, pastel and pencil on paper

Place MadeOceania, Australia, New South Wales, Sydney, Blacktown

TechniqueDrawn and printed

MeasurementsImage: 150 h x 284 w cm
Frame: 160 h x 299 w x 8 d cm

Named CollectionBlacktown City Art Collection

Credit Line© Alexander Byrne
Acquired 2020, 'Terra inFirma: Sovereignty and Memory' exhibition
Blacktown City Art Collection

Object TypeMixed media

Object numberBCC BRE 002