Archibald Prize Winner Blak Douglas to Unveil Mural Addressing Coal Damage in Redfern
Dhungatti artist and 2022 Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas unveils his new mural, “Coalface,” at 87 Pitt Street, Redfern. The mural highlights the damaging impacts of the coal industry on climate, Country, and the environment.
Blak Douglas, inspired by the effects of coal and gas projects by companies such as Whitehaven Coal and Santos on Gomeroi Country in north-west NSW, has created this powerful piece.
“My intent with this mural was to depict the fragility of fauna against the wrath of coal mining. I chose to feature the Koala in this instance because what we are consistently finding is that this incredibly cute marsupial remains at the fore of the fight for preservation in NSW, not only in itself but its natural habitat,” Douglas explained.
He continued, “There is a key element that exists here on this continent that remains spiritually evasive to many, particularly those who observe life through economic eyes. There is a reason for why rare species of flora and fauna exist upon a landscape that contains desirable minerals.”
The mural’s unveiling in Redfern, an area rich in First Nations history and creativity, is particularly poignant. The location is within the electorate of Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, who has approved five new coal projects since assuming her ministerial role.
Blak Douglas won the Archibald Prize in 2022 for his portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, titled “Moby Dickens.” The artwork depicted Dickens amidst the unprecedented 2022 floods in her hometown of Lismore, which severely impacted her community.
Douglas has also won the Kilgour Prize in 2019, the STILL Award in 2020, and was an Archibald Prize finalist five times before securing the esteemed award.
The unveiling is supported by Move Beyond Coal, a bold, people-powered movement tackling Australia’s biggest contribution to the global climate crisis. Their mission is to protect a liveable world for people and nature by stopping coal expansion and phasing out coal by 2030.
Artist statement
“COALFACE” By Blak Douglas
It was indeed an honour to be commissioned to create this artwork in aim of speaking out against the extractive fossil fuel industries whom ignore the destructive impact they have on ecosytems,the environment and climate.
My intent with this mural was to depict the fragility of fauna against the wrath of coal mining. I chose to feature the Koala in this instance because what we are consistently finding is that this incredibly cute marsupial remains at the fore of the fight for preservation in NSW, not only in itself but its natural habitat.
There is a key element that exists here on this continent that remains spiritually evasive to many, particularly those who observe life through economic eyes. There is a reason for why rare species of flora & fauna exist upon a landscape that contains desirable minerals.
These species are TOTEMS and caretakers of dreamings that date back what seems a millennia compared to when a “Federation” declared that… a visiting creed would hold rank in a self anointed Government and declare such a treasured ecosystem ‘up for grabs’ to the highest bidder.
We must stand up to this injustice for the sake of our threatened species, our climate and also for our children – so that they may enjoy the treasured exuberance of being at one within such a landscape & with such a totem.
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