Why are immigrants still blamed for rising prices and a housing crisis whilst corporations record unprecedented profits and politicians are still renting out millions of homes? Communities of colour are continuously villainised time and time again by classic narratives. Corporate and politician greed however covertly flourishes under these narratives as innocent communities take the blame each time.

Growing up in regional Victoria with an Asian ethnic background, I found that friendship and community was found instantaneously with those also of a culturally diverse background. I now recognise that being able to have conversations with those friends, about all of our different cultural customs is an amazing privilege. They’re now very precious moments, knowing I used to be afraid to even take any kinds of ethnic food to school.

Conversations with friends about all our different kinds of food, families, traditional dress etc. for me, only elicits a feeling of comfort. The goal of the artwork was to depict a culturally diverse community, not how the media does, but rather how those conversations with my friends made me feel. The warm and inviting colours in the artwork reflects this. Although many different ethnic communities share many similarities, they are also often divided by assumptions pushed by modern media. Stereotypes are quick to paint ethnic communities as uneducated, violent and unclean. In reality though they are humble, inviting and immensely generous. The sharing of food depicted is aimed to reflect these qualities. Ultimately, I wanted the scene to look lively, they’re all interacting together, exchanging sentiments and sharing the space, representing a close bond.

Furthermore, oranges and mandarins have traditionally symbolised wealth in different artworks and media. Accordingly, oranges in this artwork are implemented to emphasise how valuable these communities are, regardless of any kind of monetary wealth status they are all deeply ‘rich in culture’.