empire is a self-sufficient contained ecosystem of introduced and native water plants, with a rose-stem tapestry draped in it. natural fibres absorb water and encourage growth of these water plants around and up the weaving, while the combination of native and introduced plant species assist in accelerating the decomposition of the tapestry, representing acts of decolonisation. the use of both native and introduced species aims to address the necessity of unity in reconciliation and the need of the colonial descendants in working towards deconstructing imperial empires.
empire builds on the concept of decay as an extant form of growth, and addresses this as a necessary theory to embrace in neo-colonial societies, such as present-day australia. while the impacts of colonial violence cannot be erased from history, in the decomposition of the imperial fabric of our society we can weave a new history going forward free of new/ongoing colonial scarring.
the impact of capitalistic exploitation is a secondary theme of empire, the impact on the environment in particular. all materials present within the work are of natural origin and biodegradable (with exception of the tank itself – which is glass – and the electronic components, both of which are second hand to reduce consumerist impact).
as the ecosystem grows and thrives, root growth becomes apparent against the glass of the tank, representative of the active work that goes towards building community and “home”.
