Exhibition exploring Asian dynasties

AN UPCOMING exhibition from local artist Angela Morrisey is inspired by the systems of government in China and North Korea.

Titled The Red Dynasty, Morrisey said she was inspired by photos and footage of military parades she saw growing up.

“Whenever I’d see the military parades on the TV, I’m always blown away by how impressive they look, and I guess they’re meant to impress and intimidate and make people take notice,” she said.

Morrisey’s work focuses on the role of women in China and North Korea, and specifically the role of women in the military.

Her key piece Chinese Mother and Child was inspired by a propaganda poster encouraging women to have one child.

“I wanted to give people an education on what life is like in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China, and really focus on the role of women there and in the military as well,” she said.

Morrisey said the exhibition will also encourage viewers to think about how different systems of government operate around the world; what has changed over centuries, and what remains.

“To understand modern day China and North Korea, you have to see them as 16th century dynasties ruled by an emperor; instead of an emperor ruling with absolute power, the system’s been replaced with a dictator, imperialism’s been replaced with communism and Confucianism with Marxism,” she said.

The Red Dynasty will be on display from 14 December to 10 January at Exhibit B in the Bendigo Bank building.