Title: Measuring Man

Artist: Robert Tommy Pau

Project: Genomic Partnerships

Story:

The title connotes the empirical judgements humans place on the ideal man. He is measured by wealth, health, status, class, intellect and the expectations of a human being. We must first define what it is to be human to apply these measurements and then can we respect each other as human beings.

The concept of the Millennial Man with the Torres Strait Islander headdress (dhari) is one of the past and the future islander man – progressively modern, while maintaining his cultural practice. The back squares are the Island mat – the mat is significant in that all cultural events from birth to death takes place on the mat.

The circles are symbols of cancer, infectious disease, a brain, respiratory health and illness, an embryo to signify life and a figure (Medicine Man) representing a traditional healer.