Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, b.1987 / Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal 2018-ongoing ( installation view) / Presented as part of ‘Embodied Knowledge: Queensland Contemporary Art’ / November 2022 / Image courtesy: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / Photograph: Joe Ruckli / View full image

About the Artwork

Bringing together painterly accomplishments with the legacy of Conceptual Art, Ryan Presley’s Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal 2018–ongoing delivers concrete outcomes for First Nations people. Mimicking a currency exchange booth, the performative installation invites gallery visitors to purchase Blood Money Dollars (BMD) with Australian currency. In return, participants receive notes featuring watercolours depicting Aboriginal freedom fighters, innovators and artists.

Currently, the only Indigenous person to appear on an Australian banknote is the writer and inventor David Unaipon (1872–1967). Presley’s action suggests that more Indigenous people should be featured, as the circulation of currency is also the dissemination of history.

Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal also draws attention to how much of Australia’s wealth has been derived from the dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land through British invasion and occupation – and through their continuing legacy. While Australia is the thirteenth largest economy in the world, not all its Indigenous peoples enjoy the benefits of living in a first-world country. To counter this, Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal reallocates cash raised by the artwork to organisations focused on empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, making a direct and tangible impact on the world.

The Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal is open daily from 10.00am - 2.00pm at the Queensland Art Gallery from 1 Dec 2022 – 22 Jan 2023 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Opening hours are subject to change.

Artist Ryan Presley with Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal 2018-ongoing (installation view) / Presented as part of ‘Embodied Knowledge: Queensland Contemporary Art’ / November 2022 / Image courtesy: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / Photograph: Joe Ruckli — Artist Ryan Presley with *Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal* 2018-ongoing (installation view) / Presented as part of ‘Embodied Knowledge: Queensland Contemporary Art’ / November 2022 / Image courtesy: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / Photograph: Joe Ruckli / View full image

About the Artist

Dr. Ryan Presley was born in 1987 in Alice Springs, and currently lives and works in Brisbane. His father’s family is Marri Ngarr and originate from the Moyle River region in the Northern Territory. His mother’s family were Scandinavian immigrants to Australia.

Presley’s work has been included in ‘We Change the World’, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 2021; 'Tarnanthi', Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, 2019; 'Just Not Australian', Artspace, Sydney, 2019; 'Trade Markings: Frontier Imaginaries Ed No. 5', Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, Netherlands 2018; 'Primavera: Young Australian Artists', Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2018; 'Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards', Darwin, 2016; and 'TarraWarra Biennial', TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healsville, 2016. His solo exhibition 'Fresh Hell' was presented at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental, 2022, and is forthcoming at Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne, 2023; while 'Ryan Presley: Prosperity' was held at the Institute of Modern Art in 2018. His artworks are held in major public collections, including Art Gallery of South Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Murdoch University, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. Presley completed a PhD at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, in 2016.

Figures

1. $100 BMD - Gladys Tybingoompa

$100 BMD - Gladys Tybingoompa

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–One Hundred Dollar Note–Gladys Tybingoompa Commemorative (detail) 2011 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c.1946-2006

Wik elder Gladys Tybingoompa is remembered as a fierce activist and educator, known for her involvement in the resistance against the ‘Aurukun takeover’, and as one of five successful plaintiffs in the 1996 Wik vs Queensland native title claim. Born at Ithenang, near Knox River in Far North Queensland, her parents were encouraged to send her to the Presbyterian mission in Aurukun when she reached school age, after which she left for Cairns to pursue her education. She eventually earned a diploma of general studies at the University of Queensland and returned to Aurukun, becoming the manager of the local school. In 1978, she joined fellow community members in their successful fight against the Queensland state government’s attempt at seizing control of the Aboriginal community (apparently due to mining interests) which would have displaced the Uniting Church which had managed the Aboriginal Reserve for decades. Following the court decision in which her people won native title over their land in 1996, Tybingoompa famously danced outside the High Court in Canberra. Of the landmark achievement, Tybingoompa notably said, ‘My name is Gladys. I'm the hot one. The fire. Bushfire is my totem. And I'm a proud woman of Cape York today. It is for me, here today, a historic moment as a Wik woman. I am not afraid of anything.’

$100 BMD - Dundalli

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–One Hundred Dollar Note–Dundalli Commemorative (detail) 2010 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c. 1820-1855

The story of Dalla Lawman, Dundalli, creates a link between 19th century Aboriginal resistance and the development of the South East Queensland colony. In his time, the colonial government and settlers viewed him in mythic proportions; he was considered by some to be a giant, and others to be a fearsome figure who had evaded capture over a fourteen-year period. He led a number of attacks against the colonial invasion. Presley’s artwork depicts the burning of the Kilcoy Station, considered to be targeted retaliation on the site of a major massacre that affected members of the Dalla community, where settlers had laced flour with poison. Presley has depicted scenes and symbols represented include: the hard-working Wonga pigeon that is Dundalli’s namesake in the Dalla language; the Bunya nut and tree found on his Country; the areas that Dundalli frequented written in Dalla language; and fishing around Moreton Bay, where he operated a fishing venture, and occasionally sold seasonal mullet on to friendly settlers.

$50 BMD - Fanny Balbuk Yoreel

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–Fifty Dollar Note–Fanny Balbuk Commemorative (detail) 2011 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c. 1840-1907

Noongar Elder Fanny Balbuk Yoreel was a Whadjuk resistance fighter who had an important legacy for the establishment of native title in metropolitan parts of the country. She fought tirelessly against the occupation and devastation of Whadjuk Country during the colonisation of Perth – a number of prominent government buildings and settler homes were built over sacred sites, songlines and key agricultural lands. In Blood Money–Fifty Dollar Note the artist has included imagery of Yoreel protesting outside a new settler building, alongside significant objects such as her infamous digging stick and native food sources: the gilgie crayfish and long-neck turtle.

$50 BMD - Bembulwoyan (also known as Pemulwuy)

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–Fifty Dollar Note–Bembulwoyan Commemorative (detail) 2010 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Ryan Presley / View full image

c. 1750–1802

Bidjigal warrior Bembulwoyan’s Country ‘stretched from Botany Bay south of the Cooks River and west along the Georges River to Salt Pan Creek, south of Bankstown’. Bembulwoyan (also known as Pemulwuy) was significant in the ongoing resistance to the settlement of Sydney by British colonists and was described by Governor Phillip Gidley King as 'an active, daring leader of his people'. He was described as having a blemish in his left eye and was thought to have been a carradhy (healer). From 1792 he led numerous attacks on the colonial settlements around Botany Bay following the arrival of the First Fleet and the destruction of ‘significant sites of Aboriginal agriculture’. In 1797 Bembulwoyan led 100 warriors in a series of raids that led to the ‘Battle of Parramatta’, where he was seriously wounded and taken to Parramatta Hospital – later escaping in irons. In 1801 Governor King declared Bembulwoyan an outlaw and a series of rewards were offered for the warrior’s capture, and the warrior was shot dead in 1802.

$20 BMD - Jandamarra

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–Twenty Dollar Note–Jandamarra Commemorative (detail) 2011 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c. 1873-1897

Bunuba man Jandamarra was a courageous warrior and leader of several rebellions against invading colonists. Extending across the mountainous terrain of the central-west Kimberley in Western Australia, Bunuba Country includes Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek national parks. From a young age, Jandabarra worked for William Lukin of Lennard River Station where became a skilled horseman, accomplished marksman and proficient English speaker. Lukin nicknamed Jandamarra 'Pigeon' due to his small stature and light-footedness. At the age of 15 he briefly returned to his homeland where he was initiated into the traditional ways of his people. After befriending Bill Richardson, a station manager who became a police officer, Jandamarra was employed as his tracker. In this role, Jandamarra was tasked with capturing a group of sixteen Bunuba resistance fighters. In a dauntless act of resistance, Jandabarra shot Richardson as he slept, releasing those who had been arrested. This lead to an organised campaign headed by Jandamarra against the European invaders. In the famous battle of Windjana Gorge, taking place on 16 November 1894, Jandamarra was seriously wounded but escaped. Jandamarra’s war lasted three years, ending tragically after police recruited another talented tracker, Mindi Mick, who found him and shot him dead at Tunnel Creek on 1 April 1897.

$20 BMD - Woloa

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–Twenty Dollar Note–Woloa Commemorative (detail) 2011 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c. 1800–1831

Tomeginee woman Woloa was a young resistance fighter from the north-east coast of Tasmania. As a teenager, Woloa was abducted and brought by white sealers in exchange for flour and dogs. Taken to the Bass Strait Islands she was enslaved for several years and was repeatedly beaten, raped and tortured. During this time, Woloa learnt English and how to use mechanical firearms. In 1828 she escaped with a number of other enslaved women and took a stockpile of weapons and supplies with her. From 1830 onwards there are numerous reports of Woloa leading a group of Aboriginal resistance fighters in attacks and raids on colonial settlements using firearms, which was unprecedented. Woloa’s fearless reputation soon lead to colonial authorities calling her the ‘The Amazon’. In the Blood Money–Twenty Dollar Note, Presley has incorporated the designs of Tomeginee woven textiles alongside shells used to create jewellery, Black Swans, European ships and firearms.

$10 BMD - Vincent Lingiari AM

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–Ten Dollar Note–Vincent Lingiari Commemorative (detail) 2011 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c.1919-1988

Aboriginal rights activist, stockman and highly respected Gurindji 'law boss', Vincent Lingiari AM was born at Victoria River Gorge in the Northern Territory. Lingari began working in the stock camps of the Wave Hill Cattle Station at age 12. Established on Gurindji Country in 1883, Wave Hill was taken over in 1914 by the Vestey Brothers group, a large British food production company, who used Aboriginal labour to increase the size and capacity of the 9065 km² Cattle Station. Lingiari initially received no cash payment for his work on the Station, despite his position as head stockman. On 23 August 1966, Lingiari led two hundred Aboriginal stockmen and domestic labourers, employees of Wave Hill station, in a 'walk-off' demanding better pay and rations and established a camp at Daguragu, also known as Wattie Creek. The strike was to last nine years, the longest in Australian history and culminated in the successful land rights claim by the Gurindji people. This episode is depicted alongside Lingiari’s portrait, including text from the Gurindji petition. In 1976, he was named a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the Aboriginal people.

$10 BMD - Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Ryan Presley, Marri Ngarr people, Australia b.1987 / Blood Money–Ten Dollar Note– Oodgeroo Noonuccal Commemorative (detail) 2010 / Watercolour on paper / Dimensions variable / Image courtesy: Ryan Presley and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / Photography: Carl Warner / View full image

c. 1920-1993

Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a political activist, artist and educator. She was also highly regarded for her contribution to Aboriginal political activism in the twentieth century, contributing, for example, to constitutional reform. Oodgeroo was best known for her poetry and in 1964 she published We Are Going. The work was an immediate commercial success, selling more than ten thousand copies. In 1972 she established the Noonuccal-Nughie Education and Cultural Centre on North Stradbroke Island. Oodgeroo won several literary awards, including the Mary Gilmore Medal (1970), the Jessie Litchfield Award (1975), and the Fellowship of Australian Writers' Award. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1970, returning it in 1987 to protest the Australian Bicentenary celebrations, and to make a political statement at the condition of her people. Presley has highlighted the Noonuccal about people’s relationship to the land in the Blood Money–Ten Dollar Note including the skilful practice of dolphin herding that is used to catch mullet. Directly above the dolphin scene is Oodgeroo’s namesake, the paperbark tree, attracting a flock of Rainbow Lorikeets. The numbers of the Lorikeet are observed by Noonuccal people in order to deduce the availability of migrating mullet for harvest.

FAQ

Where do the proceeds from this project go?

All proceeds from the exchanged funds are transferred to three community organisations, which have been selected by the artist.

Sisters Inside

Sisters Inside advocates for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison, and their families, and provides services to address their individual needs.

Murri School

Murri School (also known as The Aboriginal and Islander Independent School) aims to provide an appropriate education and to nurture the wellbeing of students in an environment where all who attend are valued and respected.

Carinity Education Southside

Carinity Education Southside is an independent all-girls’ school from Grade 7 to 12 offering a supportive learning environment for young women who have found mainstream schooling unsuitable. Forty percent of students identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander and they are supported by a large group of aunties on staff, and elders from the community.

Can I pay with cash?

No. For the safety of our guests and staff, QAGOMA will accept debit or credit card payments only.

Payment types accepted:

PayPass, Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay. Note: EFTPOS-only / Afterpay virtual cards are not accepted.

Can I purchase Blood Money online?

No. The artwork is designed to be an in person experience, so Blood Money Dollars can only be purchased on-site at the Queensland Art Gallery from 10.00am - 2.00pm Thu 1 Dec 2022 - 22 Jan 2023 (excluding Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Opening hours are subject to change.

Can I receive a discount on Blood Money?

As the proceeds from this project go directly to community organisations, no discounts apply.

Is my purchase tax deductible as a donation?

No. As you are receiving a limited edition Blood Money Dollar, you have exchanged funds in return for a material item that has monetary value.

Can I hold Blood Money at a specific exchange rate to purchase later?

No, we cannot hold Blood Money Dollars for visitors to purchase at a later date.

Visitors must pay the exchange rate noted on the exchange rate signage at the time of sale.

Has this work been presented previously?

Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal was presented at the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane (2018), the Melbourne Art Fair (2018), Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney (2019), and Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide (2019) and MONA FOMA (2021).

How is the exchange rate determined?

The artist sets the exchange rate each day based upon a number of different factors, from contemporary events, history and personal predilection. Blood Money will always be at a higher rate than AUD.

How is the money printed?

Ryan Presley worked with a printing company in Brisbane to create the Blood Money Dollars. The Blood Money Dollars are printed on an archival quality polymer nanofilm.

A limited run of Blood Money Dollars have been printed for this iteration of the project.

Refund / Exchange Policy

Blood Money notes can only be refunded or exchanged if the note is damaged or faulty at the time of purchase.
Blood Money notes cannot be refunded or exchanged due to change of mind or in order to receive a different exchange rate.
Blood Money notes will only be refunded for the exchange rate at which they were originally purchased. Blood Money notes will only be exchanged for the same denomination of Blood Money that was originally purchased.
Refund and exchange requests will only be accepted until 29 January 2023.
To exchange or receive a refund for a damaged or faulty note, purchasers must supply proof of purchase (either a valid receipt or a credit/debit card statement featuring the transaction).

Exchange process:

In person | Visit the Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal during opening hours from 10.00am – 2.00pm from 1 Dec 2022 – 22 Jan 2023 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Bring your Blood Money note and proof of purchase.
Online | Email events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au by 29 January 2023, attaching a copy of your proof of purchase and image of your damaged or faulty note. You will be required to post your faulty note back to QAGOMA and a new note will be mailed to you. Full postal instructions will be provided upon receiving your email.

Refund process:

In person | Visit the Blood Money Currency Exchange Terminal during opening hours from 10.00am – 2.00pm from 1 Dec 2022 – 22 Jan 2023 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Bring your Blood Money note and proof of purchase.
Online | Email events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au by 29 January 2023, attaching a copy of your proof of purchase and image of your damaged or faulty note. A new note will be mailed to you. You will be required to post your faulty note back to QAGOMA and a new note will be mailed to you. Full postal instructions will be provided upon receiving your email.