It’s of rather well-aligned timing that in the same week as artist Joan Ross opens a new solo exhibition, she’s also announced as speaking on the topic of appropriation as part of a panel discussion at the forthcoming Sydney Contemporary art fair. Titled ‘Talent borrows, Genius steals’, the panel discussion, hosted by Rex Butler and also featuring Sam Leach, will explore the sometimes controversial practice in the art world. Needless to say, the title sums up the direction that the talk is likely to take, serving to underline the vast difference between plagiarism and the adoption of an existing work of school of art in the context of creative homage or artful juxtaposition.

Ms Ross, of course, falls into the category, much in the same as, say, Richard Prince. With colonisation at the centre of her ongoing artistic practice, the artist renders subjects of the British Empire in shocking fluorescent shades against natural Australian landscapes, crafting a vast aesthetic disparity between the two with an uncomfortable sense of irony. The artist’s latest collection of works, displayed under the banner of I made this for you, is no exception, with brilliant prints that employ absurdity as a striking form of communication.

Joan Ross’ I made this for you is on display at Michael Reid, Sydney until 29 August 2015.