TREVOR NICKOLLS - SPIRIT '98

 TREVOR NICKOLLS
SPIRIT '98,  1998
128 x 83 cm
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
 
PROVENANCE
Estate of the Artist 
 
STORY
The work Spirit '98 is cross-cultural, referencing Wandjina and other Aboriginal spirits placed in amongst modern day cultural references. A Wandjina is driving the Holden car, wearing an Akubra hat and just an undershirt. Painted in 1998, it was created as an homage during the anniversary of the Holden car, a vehicle Nickolls drove at an early stage in his painting career. A black hand is holding a stop sign. The words ā€�Stop Dogā€™ refers to GOD when read in reverse. The dog is a dingo. The Aboriginal child with one leg refers to Aboriginal disadvantage. Nickolls includes multiple layers of meaning and adds the usual fun element. At the top of the painting is a small UFO with a green extra-terrestrial being inside. Nickolls was chosen alongside Rover Thomas to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale in 1990.