Archie Moore, Macassan Flag (Before Fairweather), 2022, polyester, nylon, zinc-plated alloy, 295.00 x 226.50 cm, TCG22573
(photo: Nick de Lorenzo)

Macassan Flag (2022) is a recreation of the fabric sail of the Macassan Prau, a type of boat traditionally used by Melanesian sailors to travel across the Timor Sea and trade spices like tamarind, for sea cucumbers with the Yolngu people of the north-west Kimberley region of Australia. Moore’s work is a potent reminder of the pre-existing relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and peoples of Pacific Island nations prior to European colonisation.