The new, website for The Quod Project enables a virtual Quod Museum for the one that does NOT
exist on Rottnest Island. Please follow link: http://www.taniaferrier.com.au/quodproject/
and there is the link to post comments on this project.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I feel cheated as an Australian Citizen
I attended an art exhibition at the Heathcote Museum & Gallery, Duncraig Road, Applecross to view Tania Ferrier’s The Quod Project. Exhibition runs from 21 Jan – 27 Feb 2011. It’s about WADJEMUP, the island we call Rottnest which was a place of Aboriginal incarceration from 1839 until the early 1930’s, when the last Aboriginal prisoner was transferred. A traumatic site of imprisonment, and a burial ground for around 400 Aboriginal men.
I lived there for 12 months as a 5 year old and have visited the island several times but up until last night I did not understand the heartbreak and trauma that occurred. I feel cheated as an Australian Citizen that this information was not made available when I was in primary school.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Some telling comments on The Quod Project Exhibition.
Well known Perth architect's comment regarding The Quod Project exhibition's criticism of the use of the Rottnest Quod building for tourist accommodation: "It is not going to change a bloody thing. What a waste of time".
Artist for The Quod Project to the Architect: "Hey, there is an Aboriginal guy in the room next door.
( this was true) I'll ask him to come in and can you say that again"?
Architect to artist: " Hey, you know I'm only joking"! ( no he wasn't).
What does this mean? Two truths. One we really believe & one we say in front of Aboriginal people.
Wealthy Mount Claremont lady:
Thankyou Tania for invitation to Quod exhibition.
I went to view it on Friday and found it an interesting instalment / exhibition.
It will be difficult for people to really change their view of Rottnest
as it is the only island close by.
All we can hope for is an acknowlegement that Rottnest was not always a place for pleasure.
Best wishes
Mary
Friends of Art Gallery of WA attendee to Quod Project Talk:
Artist refering to 2m x 3m cell installation which is now part of Rottnest Lodge tourist accommodation: "These Lodge Quod units are now set aside
especially for families. Families would not want to stay there if they knew the truth of the past use of the space."
Wealthy Claremont Friends of AGWA lady: "Oh, it would not change my mind".
Artist: " Really! So you would put the kids to bed and say, darlings did you know that 70 men died in this room"!
Wealthy Claremont lady: "Oh no! I wouldn't tell them"!
WILL POST SOME MORE SOON. READ DOWN FOR PREVIOUS POSTS.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Rottnest Island Authority threat to The Quod Project Exhibition.
She discussed this proposal with Paolo Amaranti - CEO of Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) 12 Nov 2008 and stated - "It appears the support/hosting of this exhibition would bring with it significant legal risks. Loss of revenue could occur as a result of this echibition due to greater public awareness of the history of the Quod. If we take actions that cause any loss of revenue for this private operator they would be in a position to take legal action against state government".
Thursday, February 24, 2011
ROTTNEST ISLAND AUTHORITY THREAT TO THE QUOD PROJECT.
A little over two years ago, I had The Quod Project set for exhibition at a major, government run
venue. The Rottnest Island Authority then made a legal threat to the venue ( Text in previous blog )
The venue cancelled the exhibition & it took one year to get another venue to agree to take it, stipulating there would be no mention of the legal threat made during the course of the exhibition at their venue; another government run institution.They support The Quod Project but don't want to be seen to be critical of the RIA, so out of respect to them, I complied. Now that the exhibition period has past, I believe it is my duty to show the collusion that still exists in the protection of Rottnest Island as a happy holiday destination & The Rottnest Lodge brand ( the Quod is now part of the accomadation at The Lodge). Greater public awareness of the history of the Quod building is NOT desirable as it WILL cause loss of revenue to the private operator (which is the Commonwealth Bank!)
The threat, in verbatim text email (Wikirottnest!!), was baseless & stupid but insidiously effective. I want us to see how we still suppress our history, in our backyard, to protect our good old Rottnest holidays. Go Perth! Keep those skeletons in the closet. When you book into The Lodge next time, sleep well.
Read down for further reviews & articles about The Quod Project.
venue. The Rottnest Island Authority then made a legal threat to the venue ( Text in previous blog )
The venue cancelled the exhibition & it took one year to get another venue to agree to take it, stipulating there would be no mention of the legal threat made during the course of the exhibition at their venue; another government run institution.They support The Quod Project but don't want to be seen to be critical of the RIA, so out of respect to them, I complied. Now that the exhibition period has past, I believe it is my duty to show the collusion that still exists in the protection of Rottnest Island as a happy holiday destination & The Rottnest Lodge brand ( the Quod is now part of the accomadation at The Lodge). Greater public awareness of the history of the Quod building is NOT desirable as it WILL cause loss of revenue to the private operator (which is the Commonwealth Bank!)
The threat, in verbatim text email (Wikirottnest!!), was baseless & stupid but insidiously effective. I want us to see how we still suppress our history, in our backyard, to protect our good old Rottnest holidays. Go Perth! Keep those skeletons in the closet. When you book into The Lodge next time, sleep well.
Read down for further reviews & articles about The Quod Project.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)