Shadow of Proof is a series of photographic copy prints sourced from public archives woven together to disrupt and question historical modes of representation and reveal the structures of power and privilege that have shaped contemporary society. The archived photographs are from Central Queensland region during the late nineteenth century and early 20th Century, a period of booming pastoral expansion and gold rushes. The series combines images of figures in colonial society, a pastoralist or entrepreneur or colonial modes of display of Aboriginal or Melanesian artefacts, with portraits of marginalised individuals, traditional Aboriginal owners and indentured South Sea Islanders.
Art Work source images: courtesy the Central Queensland Collection, Rockhampton Regional Council Libraries and the Capricornia Collection, University of Central Queensland
Fiona MacDonald, Bowness Prize 2020 Finalist: https://www.art-almanac.com.au/2020-bowness-photo-prize-finalists/
Shadow of Proof 1 (Central Queensland pastoral worker man), 2020. Woven gelatine silver prints, 49.0 x 39.0 cm
Shadow of Proof 2 (Central Queensland man and Rockhampton School of Arts display), 2020. Woven gelatine silver prints, 49.0 x 39.0 cm
Shadow of Proof 3 (Central Queensland man with boomerang and Rockhampton School of Arts display), 2020. Woven gelatine silver prints, 49.0 x 39.0 cm
Shadow of Proof 4 (Dundally at Mt Morgan and William Burns, Rockhampton Club Member), 2020. Woven sepia toned gelatine silver prints, 49.0 x 39.0 cm