PLAYING WITH AUSTRALIA

Dissolving Gouache on paper 30 x 42 cm 

LANDSCAPE

These two paintings are a continuation of my interest in playing with ideas of landscape and the Australian continent. You can see more of my Australian paintings in a recent post called AUSTRALIA - ONLINE EXHIBITION and another post called AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE CUTOUT

PLAY

These two new works on paper 'play' with Australia - its sustainability - its identity - its contours - its relationship with landscape elements both on Earth and perhaps cosmically? You might think of other ways the paintings 'play' with Australia, linking them to a range of geographic, political and social events and ideas! I know I can think of a few tangents that are not initially apparent, but upon reflection make me giggle, frown, despair, be hopeful!

Australia Turned Upside Down Gouache on paper 30 x 42 cm 

FEDERAL ELECTION 2016

Here in Australia we are on countdown for the next federal election on July 2. I am not looking forward to escalating pre-election sound bites that lure, repulse, ridicule, promise all kinds of offerings to electors. The news is saturated with stories, responses, predictions and more... all supposedly to help inform us. BUT, it becomes exhausting. 

This forthcoming election is a double dissolution one too ie: both houses of parliament, including the full senate are to be elected. You can read about it HERE  It has only happened 6 times since the the formation of the Australian parliament over 110 years ago. Yes, it's disruptive. Time will tell if the disruption is helpful or not. Can you 'see' how both new paintings can be 'read' as political? 

Dissolving and Australia Turned Upside Down are provocative titles.............................

CANBERRA

In the meantime, I have just returned from a few days in Canberra, Australia's capitol city and our federal political centre. I steered away from the newspapers with coverage of the recent budget and forthcoming election- instead I visited the National Gallery, a couple of wineries, Mt Stromlo observatory, Beaver Galleries and lots more. I had a great time. 

Me at Long Rail Gully Wines - outside Canberra

Cheers,
Kathryn
www.kathrynbrimblecombe-fox.com