do not pass go
November 20, 2013 6:54 PM Subscribe
Revel Cooper (1934†—1983‡) was one of the child artists of Carrolup whose crayon speed-drawings were returned to country, 2013, after 63 years off country. Tony Hughes-d'Aeth mentions Revel Cooper's history exercise book in his article Koolark Koort Koorliny: "an artefact of profound cultural significance". These kids went from comic-obsessed to crayon-obsessed in May 1946 when the White teachers took management of the Carrolup school and issued crayons. Here is Revel Cooper's enthralling school exercise book: Standard VI History Book.
† If in 1952 Revel Cooper was 18, then he was older than 13 in 1949. Either he was too old for the Carrolup school or too young for gaol.
‡ Revel Cooper was murdered and is buried miles from home.
† If in 1952 Revel Cooper was 18, then he was older than 13 in 1949. Either he was too old for the Carrolup school or too young for gaol.
‡ Revel Cooper was murdered and is buried miles from home.
Interesting story de. Never heard of the cove. Thanks.
Illustrations - The Courteous Savage (1964)
I was curious about his appearance so I searched for a picture of him (if you're Aboriginal don't click this link) - Murrawin.
posted by unliteral at 8:15 PM on November 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Illustrations - The Courteous Savage (1964)
Messagestick• Another newspaper report on his murder.
"Dear Sir. I have no doubt that you would be surprised to hear from me. I guess in a way I have a mighty lot of explaining to do. I have no excuse to offer for the way I have carried on since I left school. I am no good and I admit it. I know you would be interested to know, at all times I have continued to paint. You once said that none of us boys would ever make a living out of art. These words have helped me tremendously. I am still out to prove you wrong. In the future I shall endeavour to do my utmost to live up to the principle of life that you have taught me. I know I am a big disappointment to you, sir. I trust you will forgive me and have faith in me to change my ways of living. Remember me to Mrs White, sir. I remain yours respectfully, Revel Cooper."
I was curious about his appearance so I searched for a picture of him (if you're Aboriginal don't click this link) - Murrawin.
posted by unliteral at 8:15 PM on November 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Confused by:(if you're Aboriginal don't click this link)?
Uniliteral is conveying a short version of a standard warning encountered in Australia:
Warning. This [x] may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased.
This is to warn people who are attempting to observe the traditional cultural practice of not directly referring to the deceased.
posted by compound eye at 8:27 PM on November 20, 2013 [5 favorites]
Uniliteral is conveying a short version of a standard warning encountered in Australia:
Warning. This [x] may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased.
This is to warn people who are attempting to observe the traditional cultural practice of not directly referring to the deceased.
posted by compound eye at 8:27 PM on November 20, 2013 [5 favorites]
The Courteous Savage (1964) illustrations you mention, unliteral, belong to (white artist/illustrator) Elizabeth Durack who did a bit of reverse-assimilation of her own in later life when she started painting as Eddie Burrup. It caused quite a stir that she deemed her art to be 'Indigenous'.
Revel Cooper illustrated the 2nd edition (1976) which had been renamed "Yagan of the Bibbulmun" by then, because 'savage' fell from use and there's only the front cover of the 2nd edition on-line (and then scanned in black and white. No idea if it has colour.)
posted by de at 9:13 PM on November 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Revel Cooper illustrated the 2nd edition (1976) which had been renamed "Yagan of the Bibbulmun" by then, because 'savage' fell from use and there's only the front cover of the 2nd edition on-line (and then scanned in black and white. No idea if it has colour.)
posted by de at 9:13 PM on November 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
^ Warning. This [x] may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased.
This is to warn people who are attempting to observe the traditional cultural practice of not directly referring to the deceased.
No Sorry Business prohibitions apply to the Carrolup children.
There are no names to avoid, no faces to avoid, the elders determined celebration is appropriate. It'd be a brave person (not a Noongar elder) who would warn Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people that maybe, just maybe, they should think again and avoid what the elders and community deem vital, more especially as the celebration is of children who resisted protectionism to pursue their heritage. It's bitter-sweet, but their names and faces and story are not for avoidance. Quite the opposite.
The Noongar people have been revelling since the 1980s.
These kids had been "anonymous, age 13" long enough, long ago.
posted by de at 7:43 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
This is to warn people who are attempting to observe the traditional cultural practice of not directly referring to the deceased.
No Sorry Business prohibitions apply to the Carrolup children.
There are no names to avoid, no faces to avoid, the elders determined celebration is appropriate. It'd be a brave person (not a Noongar elder) who would warn Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people that maybe, just maybe, they should think again and avoid what the elders and community deem vital, more especially as the celebration is of children who resisted protectionism to pursue their heritage. It's bitter-sweet, but their names and faces and story are not for avoidance. Quite the opposite.
The Noongar people have been revelling since the 1980s.
These kids had been "anonymous, age 13" long enough, long ago.
posted by de at 7:43 PM on November 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
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