In his NAIDOC Week 2020 exhibition, ‘We Are All In This Together’ (WAAITT), artist David Cragg painted eye-catching arrangements of endangered and extinct species, set within pockets of rapidly disappearing habitat, to shine a light on the destruction of Country.

WAAITT responded to the 2020 NAIDOC theme of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ (Aboriginal land) and provided a beautiful art trail connecting 1 O’Connell and The Wintergarden in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

David is an artist of First Nations, Irish and Scottish descent, working as a muralist, designer, writer, builder, photographer, sculptor and youth/disability community worker.

While the series of artworks he painted for WAAITT were picturesque to look at – with their live floral displays atop colourful painted plinths – they conveyed a serious and sobering message. Reflecting on the consequences of colonial interference, the ensuing desecration of Country and the suffering of First Nations peoples, David invited viewers to consider a wilder, truer and more complex ecological history.

WAAITT was curated and produced by aMBUSH Gallery (an initiative of Wiltshire + Dimas Management) and presented by The Wintergarden.