Abstract of a review titled: Review: Landscape of the soul by Ron Witton
An exhibition titled “Landscape of the Soul,” is shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of European Dutch and Eurasian individuals in Indonesia during pivotal historical epochs.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Japanese Occupation, the Revolution, and its aftermath, drawing attention to the atrocities faced by those of mixed Dutch-Indonesian descent in the wake of Indonesian independence.
Through meticulously crafted wall hangings and mixed-media depictions, Frances Larder’s exhibition portrays the multifaceted layers of colonial life, the horrors of Japanese internment, and the brutal massacres endured by Eurasians in the chaos of post-war transition. This transformative exhibition challenges historical oversights and confronts deeply ingrained narratives, inviting viewers to reckon with the complexities of identity, allegiance, and resilience amidst adversity. Moreover, it underscores the urgent need for broader historical consciousness and academic scholarship to reckon with these harrowing events, which have only recently begun to receive due attention.
As the exhibition traverses galleries across Australia, it serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse heritages migrants bring to the nation and amplifies the voices of Australia’s Indo-Eurasian citizens, fostering greater understanding and empathy within the broader community.
