Activities

Discussion Questions

  1. Develop a list of organic materials featured in ‘the archive’ theme. Discuss the ways that Watson blurs the relationship between human and non-human matter. To guide your discussion, consider the artist’s poetic approach to ‘rattling the bones of the museum’.
  2. How does Judy Watson subvert the power relationship between her contemporary art practice and the legacies of collecting institutions, such as the British Museum and the Queensland State Archives? Queensland State Archives are today more open to access by historians and others exposing details of the State’s dark histories. Artists and other cultural warriors have been pushing to gain access to Aboriginal histories and culture within these institutions.

Classroom Activities

  1. Using a variety of media, create an artwork on thick paper (like craft paper) that builds meaning by layering visual references to places — such as found maps, place names or plans from the built environment — that hold particular significance for you. To create your composition, use a combination of wet and dry media; for example, paint washes with pencil, charcoal or pastel.
  2. Create an artwork by applying colours taken directly from a place you love. You may want to use the dirt from the ground or sap from a favourite tree. Also consider incorporating leaves, twigs and flowers into your work.
Judy Watson / Waanyi people / Australia b.1959 / grandmother’s song 2007 / Pigment and pastel on canvas / Purchased 2007 with funds from Margaret Greenidge through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation and the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation Grant / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Judy Watson. Licensed by Viscopy, 2016

Judy Watson / Waanyi people / Australia b.1959 / grandmother’s song 2007 / Pigment and pastel on canvas / Purchased 2007 with funds from Margaret Greenidge through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation and the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation Grant / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Judy Watson. Licensed by Viscopy, 2016 / View full image

cultural identity

A key thread presents Watson’s viewpoint and research-driven practice as an Aboriginal woman within a matrilineal line of strong matriarchs.

Learn more
Judy Watson / Waanyi people / Australia b.1959 / driftnet 1998 / pigment, synthetic string, stringy bark, twine on canvas / 180.0 × 136.0 cm / Purchased, 1999 / National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Judy Watson / Waanyi people / Australia b.1959 / driftnet 1998 / pigment, synthetic string, stringy bark, twine on canvas / 180.0 × 136.0 cm / Purchased, 1999 / National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne / View full image

feminism

Exploring feminism through some of Watson’s early works, as well as her approach to collaborative practice.

Learn more
Judy Watson / Waanyi people / Australia b.1959 / wanami 2019 / Pigment and synthetic polymer paint on canvas / 245 x 181cm / The James C. Sourris AM Collection

Judy Watson / Waanyi people / Australia b.1959 / wanami 2019 / Pigment and synthetic polymer paint on canvas / 245 x 181cm / The James C. Sourris AM Collection / View full image

environmentalism

Focus on Country and ecosystems, particularly waterways, informed by cultural practices and scientific analyses of climate change.