The Great Hunger This project is an extension of Black '47. In this art installation and performance, it is our intention to make a comparative study of political famine. Using three examples of political famine; The Great Irish Famine and Diaspora of the 1840's, the decimation and near extinction of the Buffalo and the plain Natives during the 1870's, and thirdly the present political famines and unrest in Africa as a result or war and oppression. These are dialogues in the history of political famine. 

 

STARVED BLIND 

Packing crate, acrylic, charcoal, screws, paper, wood.

140 X 140 cm, 55" X 55"

1995
During my research I discovered that not long ago people did live off the land and were of the land. For example the Plains Natives were the growth of the soil from what the buffalo provided. The buffalo was their equivalent of our hardware and grocery store.

By only taking what they needed the native's peoples maintained and respected the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Today we have lost all reverence for this process and are completely unaware of any process at all. The Plains Natives celebrated and honoured the kill through ritual and respect. We have long since forgotten how to respect and replenish what we take. The Great Hunger studies this conflict.