True Light and Shade: An Aboriginal Perspective of Joseph Lycett's Art

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title True Light and Shade: An Aboriginal Perspective of Joseph Lycett's Art
Authors and Contributors      By (author) John Maynard
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:172
Dimensions(mm): Height 284,Width 233
ISBN/Barcode 9780642277084
Audience
General
Tertiary Education (US: College)

Publishing Details

Publisher National Library of Australia
Imprint National Library of Australia
Publication Date 1 November 2014
Publication Country Australia

Description

True Light and Shade is filled with beautiful images by convict artist Joseph Lycett that powerfully capture in intimate detail Aboriginal life, a rare record of Aboriginal people within the vicinity of Newcastle and how they adapted to European settlement before cultural destruction impacted on these groups. John Maynard writes an engaging short biography of Lycett and his life in Australia and follows this with a detailed commentary on each of the 20 images in the album. Each image is reproduced in full on a double page spread and then, on the spreads following, details have been enlarged to accompany John's text as he takes us through exactly what is happening in every picture: ceremony, hunting and fishing, carrying food (carving up whalemeat), land management and burning, interactions with Europeans, family life, dances, funeral rituals, and punishment. When you return again to examine the full image, you see it in a completely different light. John also includes written records from the time that corroborate Lycett's views.