PETER T. MCCARTHY
Building Material
Mixed media on board (zippers, wood, foam)
71.5 x 178cm
Zippers are often unnoticed and sometimes invisible, but absolutely crucial to the proper functioning of the garment or object into which they are sewn. For this reason I have been using zippers in my work as a metaphor for humility and service.
Service medals and awards represented by their respective ribbon bars honour countless acts of bravery, sacrifice, loyalty, valour and service. These acts, great and small —though often invisible to us— have created and continue to protect from external forces the peace and freedom Australia enjoys as a nation.
These acts of courageous love and selfless service to the other are what is also needed to build a flourishing and harmonious society within our borders. My hope is that celebrating these values and actions will inspire us all to emulate the same.
