A message from Curran regarding Aboriginal art and tattooing:
Aboriginal art represents a rich and diverse tapestry of nations, cultures, and languages. It is important to note that this art form is not limited to a single style and encompasses much more than dot painting.
Creating this artwork authentically requires significant effort and must be approached with respect, even with people that have direct and ongoing connection with their traditional land and languages.
I do not have the authority to utilize another nation's symbols or art styles without their permission, nor can anyone else carry out such actions without proper consent. "Nothing about us without us"
Many members of my community have expressed to me that while wearing a shirt featuring such imagery is one matter, permanently marking one's skin with symbols not representative of one's own culture is another. I fully agree with this perspective.
If you are not from the First Nations or Torres Strait Islander communities, I would be happy to assist you in finding alternative representations, such as colors or phrases that reflect solidarity.
However, I cannot support the appropriation of cultural symbols or artwork. Wearing flags or artworks on one's skin serves as a powerful expression of identity within a community, and only under very specific and respectful circumstances would it be otherwise.
Thank you for your understanding.