It'd be great to see the issues of the Black GST (Genocide, Sovereignty and Treay) discussed on the streets! Graffiti is an ancient communication tool and I reckon this "Coat of Arms" represents a powerful story of the recognition of sovereignty for Indigenous people in Australia. It also recognises that Australia's current situation of prosperity is largely due to stolen wealth, land, wages, children and symbolism of Aboriginal people. This image comes from a story that Robbie Thorpe tells in which lightning destroys the Commonwealth of Australia's Coat of Arms and replaces it with the sacred fire which the Emu and Kangaroo then warm themselves by. Also the Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) is liberated, Australia's national flower which has been used as a symbol of patriotism through Australia's official colours the "green & gold".

Here's a Reclaim the Streets Stencil! Also a copyleft graphic for anyone who wants to use it for any non-profit publication or flyer etc.

Civil's poster design for the Black GST campaign incorporating the Commowealth emblem with the sacre fire.

Black_GST_crest -

Black GST crest
A crest for an alternative Australia, developed for the Black GST convergence at the Stolenwealth Games
by Tom Civil

[freshly sprouted]

Black_GST_crest -

Black GST crest
A crest for an alternative Australia, developed for the Black GST convergence at the Stolenwealth Games
by Tom Civil

[freshly sprouted]

Here's a stencil template to play with! Click the 'original' link to load the full size image. Instructions: Just print it out, photocopy it to size, stick it to a bit of cardboard and cut it out using a sharp blade, then paint throuth to wall using a dark coloured spraypaint! Sometimes it's handy to either use bluetack or sticky tape to hold the stencil flat to the wall when painting. Have fun!

"Lets Dance" art and photography by Civil, 2004

"City Exploration" painting and photo by Civil, 2004

"Tree Busts Through Concrete" by Civil