Visitor Margaret Fitch took time to reflect during a visit
By Kath Gannaway
A PORTRAIT of Black Saturday, created in real time, and framed by the imposing architecture of the TarraWarra Museum of Art is a striking addition to the TWMA’s Bushfire Australia exhibition.
Blackened trees silhouetted against the skyline define the undulating ridge between Long Gully and Chum Creek. As with many of the works in the exhibition, it invites reflection.
Bushfire Australia examines the recurrence of bushfire imagery in the work of Australian artists. It brings together works from state, public and private collections and includes historical paintings along with new works created in response to the 2009 bushfires.
Some of Australia’s most acclaimed artists are represented – Fred Williams, Sidney Nolan, Clifton Pugh, Arthur Boyd and John Longstaff among them.
Contemporary artists whose works depict the 2009 fires include Peter Wegner, Camilla Tadich, Mandy Martin, Glen Morgan, Susan Purdy, Lloyd Godman and Les Kossatz.
A major feature of the exhibition is William Strutt’s iconic painting of the Black Thursday fires of 1851.
Considered to be one of Australia’s most important colonial paintings it was painted by Strutt, a first-hand witness to the devastation of the bushfires which burnt an estimated five million hectares across Victoria, after he returned to England in 1864.
Strutt wrote of his experience and the painting which came of it … “The terrified squatters and settlers hastily made their escape, leaving everything. The sick, put into drays, were hurried off; it was now a stampede for life.”
TWMA director Jane Scott said in curating the exhibition the intention was to create an experience, which was reflective, poignant, and ultimately hopeful.
“Bushfire Australia creates an opportunity to provide reflection, inspiration and hope to both the local and wider community following the tragic events endured in 2009,” she said.
Bushfire Australia presents a unique opportunity, which in the context of Black Saturday is often confronting, but ultimately fascinating and not to be missed.
The exhibition at TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville, concludes on 25 July. Entry is free.
Phone 5957 3100 for opening times.
