True Colours – Daniel Mudie Cunningham

An evocative clash of iconic cultural imagery. Daniel Mudie Cunningham takes an unexpectedly queer approach to recalling the Cronulla Riots, a decade on from the event.

Remaking Cyndi Lauper’s hit music video for ‘True Colors’, Cunningham reimagines the film clip’s original stylised beach setting as Cronulla Beach – painting a picture of the ‘true colours’ of Australian nationalism.

Cunningham expands on the place of Lauper’s song as an enduring gay anthem and a symbol of her support for LGBTQI rights (a status it has held since its release three decades ago). The artist ‘queers’ the distorted symbols of nationalism that initiated the mob violence and territorial tribalism performed at Cronulla that day.

This performative installation is a fine example the art of drag breaking out of its context, and knocking over some social constructs on its way. (AM)

Apr 20–24. Alaska Projects [Carpark], Kings Cross Carpark, levels 2 & 5, 9A Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay. Free entry. Info: alaskaprojects.com