Tranquility:
How does Reconciliation start?
Reconciliation has to start with the individual before it can happen as a whole. One has to be at peace with it within themselves first before we can move forward together. There's been horrendous atrocities committed to our people in the past and that can never ever be forgotten. This absolutely isn't about forgetting. It's about acknowledging and accepting that there's nothing anyone can say or do that can ever change the past. It's impossible. Reconciliation is about indigenous and non-indigenous people working towards a united future and you've got to genuinely want it or it'll never happen.
This painting depicts this process of moving out of the darkness, leaving hatred and bitterness behind and finding that inner peace inside of us all. There are many paths. Some longer than others. Some harder and not as straightforward, but all leading to one's own place of calm, acceptance and tranquility.
© Garry Purchase 2015