Heather Sculthorpe, chief executive of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Center, called the work an “insult.”

“The idea of our Aboriginal history being hidden from most of Tasmania is a valid point,” she said. “The most effective way of bringing it out is not climbing under the road. It doesn’t do anything to promote understanding of Aboriginal history.”

Furthermore, she said, Mr. Parr did not consult with Aboriginal Tasmanians about the performance. “It’s when people feel used as objects and not part of the venture that people get annoyed — as in this case,” she said. “No attempt was made to discuss it.”

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Mr. Parr said last week in an interview at his studio that he could not be an independent artist if he needed to always ask permission for his work.