No 004 Reid [Exhibition]

Abstract

In this project, Canberra-based artist Alison Alder reinterprets and reinvigorates portraits of the first eight prime ministers. Developed from her fellowship with the Australian Prime Ministers Centre, Alder found rich inspiration in the early period in the nation's democracy.

Until the introduction of Movietone newsreels in 1929, the imprint of ink on paper in newspapers, journals, magazines, posters and ephemera was the primary source of visual information available to the Australian people of their prime ministers. The printed image had the power to influence opinions and provide a sense of familiarity with, or conversely distance from the leaders of the nation.

Inspired by a picture of Stanley Bruce's cabinet where they were all wearing some type of lapel badge, Alder presents each prime minister wearing at least one badge referencing a key aspect of their time in office. Neither explicitly positive nor negative, she leaves us to form our own opinion. Visually arresting, humorous and thoughtful, Alder's portraits bring these historical figures a little bit closer to us.