Leabeater Possum

Leadbeater Possum another part of a collection of works representing the animal symbols of different Australian States and Territories  this piece representing Leadbeater Possum the animal emblem  for the state Victoria, Australia. Part of a series exploring the notion defining boundaries restrictions and confinement within cities states and countries and longing for re-connection with family and friends.Created with a  combination of paper- mache on a metal frame overlaid with a mosaic of colored card and paper collage to finish the work,The technique is used a an expression of cultural identity and the multicultural diversity of the continent and the modern global world. Yet it  became a means of exploring the ripple effect of the  pandemic as boarders with nations or states within Australia affecting us all the packaging patterns and products used in the creation of the collage .a symbol of this and of longing for reunion and connection to people between states and more broadly between countries. Using animal,  emblems of each state and incorporating these elements into the work to represent and reflect on the divisions and diversity of the states through the colors textures and patterns. representing the landscape and climate of different states .Reflecting on how these animals  have different spiritual significance to indigenous Australians and referencing tradition x-ray style indigenous representation of animals on traditional bark paintings by the linear divisions on the forms and my own Mediterranean heritage through the mosaic like fragmentation of glistening color and shapes in the collage .