Author(s): Traudi Allen

Art

This timely and intelligent discussion focuses on the elusive nature of Australian nationalism as it is defined by visual images drawn from a vast variety of sources - some surprising and others regularly encountered in our daily lives. From high art to popular kitsch, the more than 100 plates support the author's feisty arguments which range from domestic issues related to the great Australian dream of suburban home ownership to the plight of those who have experienced difficulties in making a home here. As Allen declares, 'The nationalist discourse is a multifarious and contradictory matter', with many pitfalls, ambiguous stereotypes and questionable myth-ologies. This densely detailed text is essential reading for all who wish to better understand Australia's complex contemporary culture.