Past and Present

Background: Printmaking has an ongoing association with the archive and protest handbills. Using a historic analogue method of screen printing Past & Present juxtaposes historic cinematic images with contemporary news headlines to acknowledge the ongoing struggle of same sex attracted people for equity across various locals and time frames. This research acknowledges lost and subjugated histories through a lens of reconciliation and inclusion using humour and desire. Contribution: The artworks presented in Past & Present explored how found images sourced from historic cinema books could combined with current news headlines to comment on the political struggles of today. These printed artworks utilised the medium of photographic screen printing and collage to contribute to an ongoing process and dialogue within the LGBTIQ community of looking back to see forward. This research offers a new vision of lived experiences past and present that were previously suppressed or hidden from public view. Significance: Past and Present was presented by The First Mardi Gras Inc. as part of the 40 Year celebration of the 2018 Sydney Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras. This cultural festival attracted an audience of approximately 630,080 to over 100 events in 18 days. The aim of the 2018 festival was to present insights into how much LGBTIQ lives, communities, culture and society had changed over the four decades of Mardi Gras. The Past and Present series of 3 print works were exhibited at Comber St Studios and curated Robyn Kennedy and the 78ers group (some of the original protest marchers of 1978). The exhibition was opened by David Marr Journalist, Author and commentator.