For the fighters
Bearing Witness in Denim
Latex polymer paint and ink on denim, created in 2019
Born from the scorched landscape of Australia’s Black Summer fires, For the Fighters is both a memorial and a gesture of deep respect. The fires of 2019 left devastation along the majority of the east coast, burning through bushland, communities, and habitats. Yet amid the smoke rose thousands of humans—firefighters, wildlife carers, neighbours and strangers—who braved the infernos to protect what they could.
Painted with latex polymer and ink on denim, this piece embraces a material known for resilience. Denim, often associated with utility and labour, becomes a canvas for remembrance—honouring the grit, spirit, and compassion of those who stood between flame and fragility.
This work is not just an artwork; it's a quiet salute to courage and care. It reminds us that preservation is a collaborative act—and that in the darkest of hours, humanity showed up for the bush and its wild souls.
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