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Lesson ideas

You don't even look Aboriginal

Students respond to artwork and demonstrate an understanding of different viewpoints about what is identity.

Bronwyn Bancroft (b. 1958) is a descendant of the Bundjalung, from the Djanbun (platypus) people of the Washpool region of Northern New South Wales. Her work is distinguished by her use of contemporary designs. Bancroft often explores political and social issues through art, which is then used as a platform to promote thinking about such issues. You don't even look Aboriginal is a personal statement which condemns existing ignorance regarding ethnographic stereotyping.
"We were punished for being black and now we are punished for not being black enough!"

Magazines for collage cut-outs, art materials for posters

Adapted from Enter Art NSW DET 2000 Download student copies of You don't even look Aboriginal

Appreciating

• Discuss the portrayal of the family in the artwork.
• Why is the work titled You don't even look Aboriginal?
• Trace the pathways in the work. Where do they lead to and why?
• Write a story to narrate your journey through the work.

• Collect images of the members of your family and symbols from magazines that might represent their workplace, home, school and pastimes.
• Construct a collage and join the images together with symbolic pathways which reveal ideas about your family's relationships, interests, lifestyle etc.
• Create a poster which responds to a cultural or environmental issue in your school or environment.

1. Talk about the various kinds of Australian families. How are they similar or different to yours?
   
2. Trace the histories of students in your class. Where have their families come from? Create a class map.
   
3. Research the work of Bronwyn Bancroft, most significantly her picture books. What are the frequent themes of her work?
   

Art Gallery of New South Wales Diversity Kit Willy Tjungarrayi Tingari Story1986
Colin Lanceley Glad Family Picnic The Art Gallery of New South Wales