2020 IB Extended Essays

Cook’s ability to produce art allows him to fill a void that has been created by a

generational injustice within, as it enables him to build a stronger connection to his ancestry. In capturing his images, he becomes involved in developing a better understanding of Australian history, arguably allowing him to better understand himself. With every project he creates, he is exposed to a new outlook through learning about different communities and the stories that they have claimed for themselves. As a result of this learning process, his photographs grow organically in better grasp an understanding of his culture, they provide the opportunity for Australian society as a whole to better understand the history of the land, shedding light on the disadvantages that many Indigenous people continue to live with today. The effect of finding a deeper sense of self in the production of artworks is common to many Indigenous artists like Michael Cook, as this generation of Indigenous peoples continue to be denied to a forthright understanding of their culture. depth, taking their own course. Not only do Cook’s photographs allow for him to

Conclusion

The Indigenous Australian art movement has developed greatly since the 1980s, not only in a visual sense but also conceptually. Less than 40 years ago, the artistic expression of Indigeneity remained subdued and autonomous, as though such works were denying the culture’s history of colonisation, oppression and assimilation. The

work of contemporary Indigenous artists today explores the culture’s histories and

reflects how today’s cultural understanding of who is Indigenous has shifted to be

more inclusive as the legacy of the stolen generations is more widely understood. Authenticity of Indigenous Australian art was derived from notions of what would fit the damaging sort of noble savage stereotype which was once placed greater value