Hands up against discrimination

Ms Jane Powles, national campaign manager for Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (Antar), is engulfed by thousands of "hands" in the colours of the Aboriginal flag - red, yellow and black.

Antar, a national organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation and rights, opened the interactive artwork called Sea Of Hands at Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney for National Reconciliation Week 2016.

The installation, designed by artist Brenda Croft, represents Australians who are putting their hands up for an end to the discrimination experienced by Australia's First Peoples, and for a more inclusive and respectful nation.

Barangaroo, whom the park is named after, was a powerful woman and key figure in Aboriginal culture in the late 1700s.

Inspired by historical portraits depicting indigenous men adorned in customary markings, the design will include 16,000 hands in native colours.

Spectators are encouraged to "plant a hand" before the event comes to a close on Sunday.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 02, 2016, with the headline Hands up against discrimination. Subscribe