Jason Wing peels the different layers of Cook’s encounter with Gweagal people 250 years ago

Jason Wing's artwork depicting Cook and his party's stay in Kamay (Botany Bay), land of the Gweagal people, in 1770 is currently on display at the State Library of New South Wales as part of the Eight Days in Kamay exhibition.

Jason Wing is a Sydney-based artist who strongly identifies with his Chinese and Aboriginal heritage. Source: Alex Wisser

Jason Wing’s artwork,  on display at the State Library of New South Wales, is a masterful depiction of both sides of Cook’s story.

One can see the accepted and widespread colonial narrative. But, by following a process built in the artwork, one starts uncovering other layers; suppressed layers of oppression, colonisation as well as as acts of attempted genocide and international war crime.