Analysis Of Nanberry By Jackie French

Nanberry by Jackie French outlines the attitudes and perceptions between the two diverse cultures of the indigenous Aborigines and the British during early contact in a manner of historical context.

French portrays the initial impressions of the British from the perspective of a young Aboriginal boy; describing the incoming British as mysterious, unknown are creatures. The historical fiction gives insight that the early interactions between the two diverse cultures were approached with caution and curiosity, however no hostility. Nanberry provides insight on early interactions in an emotional and psychological level, of which promotes ideas of the different cultures attitudes and perceptions of each other.

Written Primary Source:

Vocabulary

The painting was created with the purpose of recording history, as it is not done in deep detail or extreme accuracy. The painting depicts the English arriving upon a shoreline spotted with aboriginals. The aboriginals appear to seem outnumber the English and portrayed with a sense of urgency - their positioning erratic. The body language of the aboriginal figures portray a sense of curiosity, they are not formal or entirely defensive but instead reaching out to the British with others clumped together watching cautiously. The British are painted in a more formal manner, wearing blue jackets and hats. The smaller boat shows the British reaching towards the Aboriginals. The tone of the painting gives no meaning or emotion, and there are no artistic or expressive techniques used in the work to convey meaning. The painting encourages us to see things from the perspective of the British. Despite being severely outnumbered they seem to remain in the position of power. They are displayed in a manner of prominence in comparison to the Aboriginals, depicted with more depth and detail. This can be interpreted as British society encouraging ideas of importance over the Aboriginals. While aspects of the artwork assume more importance or are exaggerated, a majority of the painting is depicted from a subjective viewpoint. In result of this subjective viewpoint, coincided with its authenticity, as it is belonging to the state library, it can be determined that this painting is a reliable source. The source provides insight into the attitudes between the cultures, confirming that early interactions remained civil and respectful during this