Katy Woodroffe Colonial aftermath

The history of the original custodians of Tasmania had been concealed from people of my generation. The full devastating impact of colonisation on the island and its inhabitants was only revealed to me through an investigation into my own family’s heritage.

In the small bush town of my childhood, there was a mysterious natural pool. This ancient well fuelled my youthful imagination and provided the catalyst for the central motif of this narrative about dispossession, struggle and survival.

Colonial aftermath was inspired by a recent heartwarming invitation to participate in a celebratory exhibition with one of our island’s most revered Indigenous artists, Lola Greeno.

- Katy Woodroffe, 2016