An Artists exploration of the mythic, subconscious and literary constructions of military interventions in the Indo-Pacific

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this article I share my experience of using William Blake’s 1793 poem America a Prophecy as a lens to explore the mythic, subconscious and literary constructions of military interventions in the Indo-Pacific for my painting Australia a Prophecy. For this painting I invited Blake’s 18th century character Orc to travel forward in time to Australia to guide an alternative imaginary lens, rather than the conventional political, military or international intervention analysis that is currently shaping the region where I live. Along the way Blake’s poem also inspired insights into the complex emotions and desires which seem to be driving the masculine messianic archetypal thinking of new global conflicts. Using poetry and literature has been part of my visual art practice throughout my 36-year artistic practice. I have not followed a formal or academic artistic pathway. Instead, I have chosen an experimental and experiential journey of self-learning by collaborating with artists and researchers on topics as I strive to understand the human condition. In my search to identify the hidden narratives that underpin our political and military decisions I have used various metaphors including Broadway and Hollywood musicals, medieval French epic poetry and literary and religious texts. I hope the story behind my painting will help to stimulate conversations between experts from completely different backgrounds to explore the hidden narratives that drive our political and military decisions.