The Voice

N., a local Indigenous woman, graciously agreed to pose for this photograph. The contrast in colors is achieved through the use of graphite pencil and acrylic paint. I was contemplating whether to display this drawing when the Voice to Parliament referendum became a topic in the media. I genuinely thought that with the Voice passing and progress being made, this depiction of Indigenous people without a voice in Australian society would become irrelevant. I even considered discarding the drawing or storing it away. When I began my art career, a friend advised me, “Show your work, no matter what.” So I did. Now, it feels more relevant than I could have ever imagined. Although I am not a painter, incorporating color into this piece was essential; in black and white, the message might have been lost. The acrylic paint technique will be featured again in future works, where blending graphite and color enhances the impact of the message.