With an approach that is both scholarly and irreverent, Dr. Traudi Allen explores the way art history has sometimes unwittingly supported the establishment of Australian myths and stereotypes, as well as how it has challenged them. She shows how this art may be an expression of a homesickness for the land of origin; or as a sickness at home, when as an asylum seeker one suffers incarceration or as a permanent resident one is a proxy torturer.
‘Traudi Allen sets herself an interesting task, exploring the relationship between visual culture and national myths since 1940. Her broad conclusions are persuasive; her analysis of the art itself demonstrates a deep and wide-ranging knowledge of the field. The result is stimulating, surprising, entertaining, wide-ranging, erudite, eclectic, lively and argumentative.’
Richard White, Historian.
‘The boldness of the argument, the range of materials considered and the clear conviction and commitment of this writer are commendable.’
Patrick McCaughey, Art critic and former director of the National Gallery of Victoria.
Front cover image Souvenir 1994 (detail), Christopher Langton.