So I was given a homework task telling me to draw/create a visual representation of the poem "Then and Now" by Oodgeral Noonuccal (see below), which basically talks about the thoughts of the Noonuccal of the colonisation of Australia.
What I need help is getting ideas that could metaphorically represent the poem as a picture in a dare I say, 'smart' and 'mind-blowing' way.
Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated, thanks!
Poem:
In the dreams I hear my tribe,
Laughing as they hunt and swim,
But dreams are shattered by rushing car,
By grinding tram and hissing train,
And I see no more my tribe of old
As I walked alone in the teeming town.
I have seen corroboree
Where that factory belches smoke;
Here where they have memorial park
One time lubras dug for yams;
One time our dark children played
There where the railway yards are now,
And where I remember the didgeridoo
Calling us to dance and play,
Offices now, neon lights now,
Bank and shop and advertisement now,
Traffic and trade of the busy town.
No more woomera, no more boomerang,
No more playabout, no more the old ways.
Children of nature we were then,
No clocks hurrying crowds to toil.
Now I am civilized and work in the white way,
Now I have dress, now I have shoes:
‘Isn’t she lucky to have a good job!’
Better when I had only a dillybag.
Better when I had nothing but happiness.
http://larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com/2012/11/then-and-now-student-sort-download.html
The two images here (both Venn diagrams, but only one with the circles included) can be a start for you.
Alright, thanks so much :))
You're welcome. I hope something clicks for you!!
Creating a visual representation of a poem can be a creative and fulfilling task. In order to metaphorically represent the poem "Then and Now" by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, you can consider the following ideas:
1. Contrasting Images: The poem depicts the contrast between the traditional way of life of the Noonuccal tribe and the impact of colonization. You can visually represent this by juxtaposing images that represent the tribe's traditional lifestyle with modern symbols of colonization, such as cars, trains, factories, and office buildings. This can illustrate the stark difference between the past and present.
2. Use of Color: The poem evokes a sense of loss and nostalgia for the old ways. You can use a color palette that represents the vibrant and natural colors of the tribe's traditional lifestyle, contrasting it with duller and more industrial colors to symbolize the modern world. This can help convey the emotional impact of the poem.
3. Symbolic Imagery: The poem mentions specific elements of the tribe's culture, such as corroboree, woomera, boomerang, and the didgeridoo. Incorporate these symbols into your visual representation to emphasize the connection to the Noonuccal tribe and their traditional way of life. Consider using these symbols in innovative ways, such as turning the didgeridoo into a bridge connecting the past and present.
4. Transformation: The poem reflects on the transformation of the speaker from a person connected to their tribe's traditions to someone who is "civilized" and adapts to the white way of life. You can depict this transformation by showing a gradual change in the visual elements, with the traditional symbols gradually giving way to the modern symbols. The transformation can be represented through a progression of images or a collage-style artwork.
Remember, the goal is to create a visual representation that metaphorically captures the essence of the poem. Feel free to combine various elements and get creative with your ideas to create a unique and thought-provoking artwork.