POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Poster, 'Monga Khan', designed by Peter Drew

Object No. 2016/47/8

This poster is from a series that Adelaide street artist, Peter Drew used to draw attention to the debate around migration. The poster features Monga Khan, one of thousands of people who applied for exemptions to the White Australia Policy in the1920s. Cameleers, hawkers and other traders were granted exemptions because their work was essential to Australia's growing economy and for 70 years they played a crucial role. The placing of posters in public spaces is Drew's way of drawing attention to Australia's immigration issues and a direct response to the Australian government's 'Stop the Boats' campaign. Peter Drew's campaigns have informed peoples' attitude to Australian identity, migration, difference and created nationwide community involvement and comment. Peter Drew's work continues the role of artists as activists, and in this case quite uniquely using social media to successfully fund and advertise his campaigns as well as evoking community responses. Drew has also used a highly successful social media campaign encouraging Australians to post images of their interaction with the posters through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Anni Turnbull Curator, 2016