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Artist Profile: Simone ArnolArtist Profile: Simone Arnol

"Exemption, Nostalgia, Supression", 2021, ceramic, traditional clay, re-purposed Yarrabah hardwood (sold).

EXEMPTION: This work is derived from my Great Grandmother, Tottie Joinbee, words of having too many fair-skin children and being told to leave Yarrabah (page 42, Reflections in Yarrabah). The first family to be exempt from Yarrabah mission in 1944 and leaving a Christian upbringing but also leaving traditional homelands. Dimensions:156cm length, 74cm width and 11cm depth.

NOSTALGIA: The wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to ones life, to ones homeland. A sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place and time. The ceramic figure is a represtation of me. Dimensions:156cm length, 74cm width and 11cm depth.

SUPRESSION: This work represents the forced removal of children to Yarrabah and assimilation under a foreign authority. The forced practice of religion and suppression of culture. The ceramic figure is a representation of my Great Grandfather, Jack Joinbee. In 1892, the Anglican Church establishes a mission on a remote site east of Cairns. Many Aboriginal people were to be forcibly removed from their traditional homelands across Queensland so they would be protected. This meant assimilation under a foreign authority. In almost every aspect of State and Church control over Aboriginal people, a common theme emerged: it was deemed necessary to civilise them and bring them up to the standard of white people. My Great Grandfather, Jack Joinbee, is Gunggandji (Traditional Owners of Yarrabah). His mother was Rosie of Budabadoo. My Great Grandmother, Tottie Joinbee, was from Ingham and was sadly part of the stolen generation and was moved to Yarrabah. My Great Grandmother states We were told we had too many fair-skin children and we had to leave Yarrabah. My Great Grandparents, Jack and Tottie Joinbee were the first family to be exempt from Yarrabah. Forcibly and dictated to marry darker with lighter skin by the Missionary then told to leave when their 13 children were born to fair-skin. Their application was approved in 1944. Each ceramic figure has been dusted with clay obtained from country on Budabadoo.

To see more works by Simone, as well as other artists who were part of Where's Your Permit?, go to: shop.ciaf.com.au

📸 Michael Marzik

#CIAF2021 | November 10-19 | 2021.ciaf.com.au | Shop.ciaf.com.au ... See MoreSee Less