Staring down racism

There is beauty (often idealised) and there is anger (expressed in loose, dry brushwork). There is confusion and sadness. There’s much to learn in the presence of the works – about the artist and about the urban Indigenous experience (Syron lives with his wife, Elaine, a photographer, in Redfern), and about the spirituality of a people for whom land rights and human rights are inseparable.

Although the style is direct, even confronting, the works bear a subtlety that repays close attention. ‘The Squid Fairy’, at first glance, depicts a school of squid in diagonal pattern, white on blue. One doesn’t notice at first the traces of red (blood in the water?) and the small red-coat figure in the top right corner. In this satirical work, the Squid Fairy (partly hidden) deals some kind of justice.

Another work, at first glance depicts a tranquil bush scene – sun-dappled, a river flowing beneath the gum-trees. I see an Indigenous figure fishing, in silhouette with spear in hand. It comes as a shock to see, then, a red coat with a rifle, intent on murder. Now the scene is menacing, and the sadness palpable. The work is called, ‘Culling the Natives at Minimbar’. This is the artist’s home country.

That the exhibition, at the South Sydney Uniting Church until the end of the month, is called Say NO To Racism, is remarkable for a couple of reasons. It’s a testament to Syron’s strength of character as a painter. His passion for the medium as a means of staring down racism and rising above it.

It also says something very gracious. Christian symbols and stories are employed in various works, notably the crucifixion of Aboriginal men and women. More than gracious – the decision to show the works in a venue symbolising a history of much ignorance and violence is a gesture of good faith – such works are religiously compelling, theologically insightful. They reflect, as in a mirror, the persecution familiar to many readers of the gospels all-too ready to identify with the persecuted. Syron’s gifts are many, and the gift of irony is foremost among them.

The Official Opening on July 18 saw a panel of special guests, including law professor Dr Larissa Behrendt (Indigenous Person of the Year 2009), CEO of the NSW Land Council, Geoff Scott, Margo Neale of the National Museum, and poet-activist Ken Canning, engaged in discussion on land rights. Norma Sims gave the Welcome to Country.

Say NO To Racism is showing until August 28 at the South Sydney Uniting Church, 56a Raglan St, Waterloo, Tue-Fri 4.30-6.30pm, or by appointment. Phone 8399 3410. For more information visit www.blackfellasdreaming.com.au.

Photo: Jonathan Bogais - Elaine Syron, Ken and Cherina Canning, Gordon Syron

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au