Sport typically creates a sense of belonging in its team members and supporters, each sport having an identity that is similar to that of a tribe- linked by a language and behaviour common to each game.
Three sports that each have a strong individual culture and identity are Rugby Union, Soccer, Australian Rules Football.
Each have a strong and passionate following and most supporters follow only one of these sports. To belong to the tribe one must understand the culture- know the rules, wear the team colours, talk the language, know how to react. To an outsider some of the tribal behaviour may be perplexing.
In each of these sports there are identifying marks linking each to the tribe and then individual teams. The types of cheers, songs, names given to certain moves, all are distinguishing differences.
Whilst each wears a uniform of shirt, shorts and socks, there are slight differences in style, fabric and colours.
However, in all three of these sports the team players wear long socks.
This body of work is an exploration of both the similarities and differences in three football games. The similarities of the long socks, boots and a game played on grass and the defining differences in style of shorts, leg movement, athletic build, rules and goal posts.
The artwork consists of lino prints on paper and silk with collaged elements - including knitted socks, maps of the grounds, rules and first aid instructions.