Parks and Wildlife Service a bit coy about the truth

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service were very agitated by the recent Iteration Again exhibition at the Taroona Shot Tower by ‘enfant terrible’ Spanish artist Ruben Santiago.

So why were they so upset?

Ruben’s art works included a narration by Tasmanian activist Isla MacGregor using a map of Tasmania describing the devastating effects that mine pollution has had on river systems across Tasmania. Rivers that neither the DPIWE, EPA, MRT or new water authorities are testing for heavy metals. Rivers that people are drinking from without any warning from the Department of Health that water filters must be used or alternative sources of drinking water used.

Ruben’s work exposed the other side of the glossy, historical and overly romantized image of the history of the lead industry in Tasmania by exposing the raw underbelly of the impacts of the mining disaster in Tasmania.

http://supercritical.com.au/2011/10/03/ruben-santiago-long-drop-into-water

Have a look at the vimeo video and see the Graffitti in the house in Rosebery – it is an eye opener!

It is of significance that it takes a person, especially an artist from overseas, to draw attention to the horrors of mining in Tasmania that to most people are out of sight and out of mind.

The alarm bells are sadly being rung from afar.

http://www.campusdaily.com.au/read_university_news.php?title=art_alarms_authorities_42890