Coloured Diggers [panel 3]

Panel three of 'Coloured Diggers' a four panelled painting exploring the social and political legacies of Indigenous military service during the Second World War, and specifically the lack of recognition felt by many following their repatriation. This panel depicts a cartoon style explosion in brilliant red, yellow and black painted in the same pixelated dot style of painting used throughout the work. The word ‘Deadly’ is inscribed in black outline across the centre. Within Indigenous communities the word “deadly” is a slang expression that describes something that is good, amazing, the best. It is phrase that Albert has used consistently in recent years including in one of his NORFORCE commission works. In the context of Indigenous military service it is a double edged signifier – at once celebrating Indigenous military service while simultaneously reminding the viewer of the ultimate sacrifice that this service may have led to.

Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program 2014