REFUGEE ISLAND

Zachariah Fenn, REFUGEE ISLAND, 2024, altered traffic sign, 130 x 102 cm

This artwork is a simple intervention on a discarded commonplace 'Refuge Island' road sign that presents a complex underlying social commentary on the past, present and future of our island continent. The highly recognisable symbol of refuge for pedestrians amongst the frenetic pace and danger of navigating a busy road is likened to the journeys of so many who have found (and hopefully will continue to find) refuge in this great country. I have very purposefully cut out sections of the sign to resemble the contour of Australia, and stencil-graffitied an extra 'E' to emphatically alter the reading of this sign. It is my aim that my altered street-signs would encourage viewers to stop and think, as well as provide guidance for what lies ahead.