Unprecedented 2020 is a new work by Qunadamooka woman; contemporary artist, Megan Cope. Her text-based work explores the use of the word “unprecedented” Written on a wooden board in old English script. The letters “precedent” glow under a black light and are distinguished from the full word. Made from ochre, burnt Bundjalung country (charcoal) and glow mineral, the piece draws attention to a word that is used by colonisers to further reinforces the myth of Terra Nullius. Cope believes the use of the word “unprecedented” is “completely irresponsible” as it should only be used to describe something that has been “never known or done before”. By referring to the current global pandemic crisis as “unprecedented”, Australia’s Aboriginal history is ignored. This history includes the small-pox pandemic, (introduced by English colonisers) which decimated Aboriginal populations in the 19th century, plus the ongoing violence and systemic racism experienced by Aboriginal people. * * * * * * * #MeganCope #NGVtriennial #NGV #Unprecedented #QunadamookaWoman #supergorgeousness #instagay #learningtosee #artnerd #inspirationiseverywhere #instagrammers #appropriation #artfag #arthag #Helleaux #shotoniPhone #InstagramPhoto #InstagramPhoto #instagramphotography (at National Gallery of Victoria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXCr94ph6XB/?utm_medium=tumblr
