Regalis Gemmiferus, 2024,
acrylic paint on xuan paper with accompanying AI voice via QR code
(H) 90 x (W) 90 cm
Collie Art Prize 2025 Finalist
Since 1788, Australia’s identity and constitution have been shaped by British influence, with the British monarchy remaining the country’s head of state. In Regalis Gemmiferus (Royal Jewel-Bearer), the Imperial State Crown—one of the Empire’s grandest symbols—is rewoven and reimagined as a sentient entity through a textile-like paint weaving technique. Its AI voice, accessible via QR code, offers reflections on its role as a symbol of power, confronting its colonial legacy. By reclaiming narrative ownership, this voice challenges dominant histories and presents alternative perspectives on the enduring legacies of imperialism, sparking conversations about identity and heritage.