Rich in historical detail, Marlene Gilson’s naïve style paintings question the colonial grasp on the past. She typically explores Aboriginal stories relating to her Wathaurung lands, and stories from the Victorian goldfields.

Ballarat, My Country details elements that are specific to Ballarat, including the Cobb and Co’s coach business, Chinese migrants and their vegetable gardens as well as Aboriginal people, miners and police. Small details, such as the murnong daisy being harvested by an Aboriginal woman allude to farming histories that many have forgotten.

Marlene Gibson mounted print
Fits a standard A3 size frame
Includes a white matboard border
Made in Australia
29.7 x 42cm
Exclusive to the Gallery Shop

Marlene Gilson (Australia b1944) Wathaurung, Wadawurrung, South-east region
Ballarat, My Country 2020
Synthetic polymer paint on linen, 120 x 150cm
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie Gowing Acquisition Fund for Contemporary Aboriginal Art 2020 © Marlene Gilson
Print © Art Gallery of New South Wales