STRANDED

(I have done nothing wrong)

2018

hand dyed and waxed cotton tape,metal grid, mattress spring

                     dimensions variable

about:

This site sensitive work for The Lock-Up Gallery, Newcastle references the short but turbulent history of the Baxter Immigration Detention Facility (2002 -2005) in Port Augusta, South Australia that included the wrongful incarceration of permanent Australian resident Cornelia Rau. Ms. Rau, like all the detainees, fell victim to endless political and bureaucratic 'red tape' that curtailed personal liberty as powerfully as any physical barrier.

Living conditions within Baxter were often described as claustrophobic, even cruel. As an example, windows were positioned to deliberately exclude views of the wide-open spaces of Port Augusta. Detainees instigated several arson attacks that resulted in considerable damage to the facility.