History Does not Happen in Decades

 

Artist                          Pat Pillai

Title                            History Does Not Happen in Decades

Medium                        ink, watercolour, acrylic & collage on paper

Size                            45 x 58 cm

 

 

Using an archaeological theme I developed a series of 10 small works approx 10cm ² depicting changes through the decades since Federation as seen through the history of Como Hotel.

 

As I worked I realised that history does not happen in decades. Rather it happens in layers, in flood plains and in chess moves that no one has much foreseen the consequences of. Images are not chronological as we constantly write over and rearrange the layers. Some issues go unnoticed or are quickly forgotten. Others rise and take precedence in our memory. The number of works was reduced to 6.

 

Memories of the1994 bushfires rose to the surface, and the Como Hotel beside Scylla Bay with jacarandas flowering represents our romanticised collective memory. This is what we will remember when the ruins are built over. The final artwork includes a poster hung at the demolition site by anonymous local artist/s. This symbolises that intrinsic blend of humour, cynicism, and laid-back attitude, the image of ourselves that we most like to remember. Throughout the evolution of our culture, this image has strengthened and remains the top layer in the landscape of the Australian psyche.