Thursday, 23rd June 2022
2022 Mandorla Art Award & Eva Fernandez Artwork
On Friday 20th May, Abbot John and Carmel Murray (Director of Visitor Services) attended the launch of the 2022 Mandorla Art Award.
This year’s theme was Metamorphosis – a profound or radical change, the scriptural reference being “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19).
(See ‘Latest News’ for details of winners).
So struck by the Eva Fernandez entry Nina Robado (pictured below), and the artist’s statement, the Benedictine Community purchased the work – exhibiting this work will provide an opportunity for further acknowledgment of the ‘dark chapter’ of New Norcia’s history.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
“Many Nyoongar children were stolen and institutionalised as a consequence of colonisation. Forcibly removed from their families by the government with the assistance of the churches, children’s lives were under the control of the missions. They were subjected to cruelty and lack of care and compassion. Irrespective of the attempt to assimilate and annihilate Aboriginal people, this subject is a symbol of survival, resistance and revival. She is also a cancer survivor. The ultimate metamorphoses.”
