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Charlotte Simpson
Artist Statement
“Forever Connected-Uncle Jack Charles (1943-2022)”, 2023, is an environmental tribute piece that focuses on the impacts of Western colonialism on Indigenous heritage and culture through the depiction of renowned indigenous actor and activist Uncle Jack Charles; a Bunurong and Wiradjuri man who was a part of the Stolen Generation. The materials used are a combination of native, non-native and invasive flora, symbolising his pain and regrowth over his lifetime; a visceral journey. His face consists of bark that has shed from a gumtree and its leaves, Paperbark, sun-bleached, wood-chipped chunks of Camphor laurel, a highly invasive weed tree, some mango leaves and black campfire ash. The Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) used in his hair is a crucial symbol in this work. It’s a well-known Australian tree species, often used in indigenous culture for its healing and medicinal properties. The multiple thin layers of delicate paper-like bark symbolise Charles’s healing and regrowth.
Biography
My name is Charlotte Simpson. I am a 23-year-old emerging visual artist based on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, born and raised in Nambour. As a young woman who is both neurodivergent and living with multiple physical disabilities, life can be challenging at times. Despite this, I wish to live life to the fullest through my art. My life goal is to be recognised as a professional Australian Artist, surrounding my passion for environmental conservation. I also wish to highlight how nature positively impacts people, especially those with disabilities, as there are sensory, emotional and social benefits. I am in my fourth year of studying Visual Art and have nearly completed my 2nd year at QCAD (Queensland College of Art and Design) in South Bank, Brisbane. I am majoring in painting and plan to complete my Bachelor of Visual Arts at this university. Prior to QCAD, I completed two years at QUT (Queensland University of Technology), but decided to restart my bachelor's at QCAD.
Influences
N/A
Awards
Grand Champion & First Prize- Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show, 2023
Exhibitions
50th Anniversary exhibition, Art in Bark of Australia, 2024 at QCAD, Southbank, Brisbane. Displaying: “Forever Connected-Uncle Jack Charles (1943-2022)”, 2023.
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