Massacre at Myall Creek inspires artist to evoke spirit of survival

The massacre marked the first time British subjects were tried and executed for the murder of Aboriginal people.

When Watson visited Myall Creek in preparation for the exhibition, she was inspired to incorporate the environment into her artwork.

This included using ochre and clay found at the site, as well as muslin cloth she wrapped around “witness trees”, in a healing process that involved “bandaging” the trees.

“Trauma is held within people, but it’s also held within the environment,” Watson said.

“I was thinking about those trees. Even if they weren’t there when the massacre occurred, the blood that was spilt comes down…