“Matt Black (Captain Cook Rorschach)” from 2009 is a powerful work that exemplifies Ben Quilty’s distinctive style and his engagement with Australian history and identity. The painting is part of Quilty’s renowned “Rorschach” series, in which he employs the Rorschach inkblot technique to create mirrored images that provoke introspection and dialogue. In this piece, Quilty uses the figure of Captain James Cook, an important and contentious figure in Australian history. Cook’s legacy as a colonizer is complex, and Quilty’s rendering reflects this ambiguity. The mirrored, abstracted image of Cook in “Matt Black” is rendered in dark, brooding tones, evoking a sense of mystery and foreboding. The title “Matt Black” underscores the painting’s somber and reflective mood. By using a stark, monochromatic palette, Quilty strips away any romanticized views of Cook, instead presenting a raw and honest contemplation of history. The Rorschach technique further emphasizes the psychological and interpretive aspects of the painting, encouraging viewers to reflect on their perceptions of Cook and the broader implications of colonization.