Mervyn Street's childhood in the 1950s Kimberley provides a poignant narrative about identity, labor, and artistry. He recalls discovering a black penny marked with ration entitlements for his parents' work on a cattle station, highlighting their unpaid labor. Street's indigenous roots and experiences shaped his artistic expression, beginning with drawings on a water tank. This art chronicled the lives of Aboriginal stock workers, weaving together personal and collective histories that underscore the struggles and resilience of his community, marking a significant homage to their way of life.
Street's early experiences on the cattle station, underpinned by cultural heritage and essential communal lessons, shaped his artistic journey and storytelling.
The marking on the black penny reflected not just ration entitlements but a complex history of labor, traditional rights, and the value of work.
Born under a boomerang tree, Street's childhood memories blend with his passion for art, offering a unique lens on indigenous life and resilience.
Drawing inspiration from Westerns, Street turned everyday life into art, documenting the stories of Aboriginal workers alongside the country's rich landscapes.
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