MUDYIGALANG-GU
ngurambang-gu
mudyigalang-gu ngurambang-gu reimagines the representation of Aboriginal men within mid-century queer visual culture, drawing inspiration from Physique Pictorial and the works of Tom of Finland. This project addresses the notion that “what you can’t see, you can’t be,” highlighting how historical erasure and the lack of representation shape identity. By incorporating Aboriginal men into historical images, the project critiques and expands the predominantly white narratives of the era.
This act of pastiche honours original queer cultural expressions while challenging exclusionary practices, thereby generating a more inclusive historical narrative.
The title mudyigalang-gu ngurambang-gu translates from Wiradjuri as “Friends of Country.” This phrase plays on “Friends of Dorothy,” a code term used by the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-20th century. Dorothy, from The Wizard of Oz, symbolises acceptance, resilience, and belonging—qualities that resonate with those seeking community and identity.
In Wiradjuri culture, ngurambang represents Mother, embodying Country's nurturing and life-giving aspects. Connecting Dorothy with Mother enriches the title’s meaning, emphasising themes of acceptance and resilience. The “friends” in the title refer to the men depicted in the images, honouring the intersection of Hayden’s Wiradjuri and queer identities.
Utilising AI to generate these images connects the project to Indigenous Futurism, merging advanced technologies with First Nations knowledge. This approach creates alternative histories and speculative futures where First Nations identities are positively represented. Through this blend of technology and cultural reclamation, mudyigalang-gu ngurambang-gu envisions a future where First Nations peoples narrate their own stories and assert their presence in broader cultural contexts.
The project emphasises the importance of visibility in identity formation, showcasing how historical representations—or their absence—shape societal perceptions and self-determination. By recontextualising Aboriginal men within a celebrated queer visual canon, the project addresses past exclusions and offers new narratives that validate and empower Queer First Nations identities. It underscores the critical role of diverse representation in creating a more inclusive society, aligning with the broader goals of Indigenous Futurism to envision vibrant, inclusive futures.
mudyigalang-gu ngurambang-gu , installation view, LRG 2024
Methodology
Creating the work for this project began with crafting detailed prompts for MidJourney v5.2, focusing on the aesthetics of the 1950s and 60s. Specific keywords and roles, such as “park ranger” and “architect,” were employed, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Tom of Finland and Physique Pictorial to engage with the queer visual canon of that era. Additionally, photographs from the National Film and Sound Archive, the National Library, and other publicly available images of Aboriginal men were incorporated, grounding the work in archival material.
Over the course of eight months, a total of 800 images were generated using MidJourney v5.2. This process involved refining initial images and selecting the most compelling pieces for further enhancement. In Adobe Photoshop, colours and details were meticulously adjusted, resulting in a curated selection of 27 final images. Traditional drawing techniques were employed to add depth and character, incorporating textures and hand-refined details that contribute to a distinctive, crafted finish.
The final works were produced using fine art inkjet printing, ensuring vibrant colours and fine details on archival-quality paper for lasting beauty. After printing, the images were sealed for protection and further enhanced with additional hand-working before being professionally framed, making them ready for exhibition.
Through this process, the project aims to resonate with historical narratives and contemporary identities, capturing the dialogue between past and present. This work explores Indigenous Futurism, seeking to envision vibrant, self-determined futures for First Nations communities. By blending historical references with modern aesthetics, the intention is to challenge prevailing narratives and create a platform for First Nations voices within the broader context of queer representation and cultural continuity.
mudyigalang-gu ngurambang-gu , installation view, LRG 2024