Balance has been achieved throughout this composition, although the elements have been distributed in unequal proportions, visual balance has been achieved through the placement of the elements in relation to each other. Harmony has also been created, because the composition has been organized in such a way, so that the diverse elements are smoothly blended into a related whole. This has been achieved through the repetition of similar elements, such as the writing. There is more writing on the left side than the right side, but this has been balanced through the heavier drawings on the right side. This variation in the painting creates sufficient discord to create visual interest. Contrast has been created through the letters in "racism in football," using some heavy bold letters which have been colored in contrast to the light letters left uncolored. Through this contrast, and the central placement of the words "racism in football," the scale of the written words adds variety. A minor rhythm has been created through the repetition of words throughout the composition. Subtle variation in tone and proportion of the words enhance visual appeal. The colour is naturalistic and representational. It is also pure and bright and has no tone. This work is unified because it has a continuous flow of movement throughout the composition and the eye travels over the whole picture.
Alan Tucker uses the theme of football, to show the politics of race and conflict that can sometimes be seen on the football field. He is telling the story of a specific incident that happened in a match between Melbourne and Collingwood in 1994. It is a very serious picture and has a lot of impact, although the overall visual effect is decorative and has a soft quality, the message is by no means "soft." Tucker uses his backgrounds of both Aboriginal and European descent to express his ideas on racism in a global context, while being able to retain his links to his Aboriginality.
