Statement of Intent

This contemporary photographic project intricately explores themes of mortality, identity, humility and time capturing the impermanence of human experience. These themes are profoundly personal and stem from my ongoing recovery from cancer surgery, a pivotal life event that has deeply influenced my artistic vision.

The project encompasses a series of 21 composite images, meticulously captured during a six-day traverse across Australia from the West Coast to the East Coast. Each image is taken precisely 213 kilometres apart, documenting a journey of 4,260 kilometres. This deliberate spacing imbues the series with a rhythmic structure, mirroring the passage of time and showcasing the expansive Australian landscape.

A central motif in the imagery is my decision to appear barefoot, embodying symbols of humility, vulnerability, and a deep connection to the earth. This choice echoes various cultural and spiritual traditions, such as the barefooted figures of Jesus, Buddha, and indigenous leaders, as well as modern expressions of environmental consciousness. The bare feet serve to ground the imagery in authenticity and simplicity, highlighting the interconnectedness of life.

The inclusion of contrasting elements, such as shoes and the shadow of a tripod, will be intentionally symbolic of humanity's impact on the natural world. These elements are designed to evoke the stark realities of human influence, the relentless march of progress, and the introspective act of distancing oneself from the comforts of contemporary existence. Through these contrasts, I aim to provoke a poignant reflection on the delicate balance between our presence in the natural environment and our duty to safeguard its integrity.

The stylistic underpinning of the composite images is drawn from AI-generated interpretations of 21 iconic Australian paintings. These references pay homage to Australia's rich cultural art history, intertwining traditional and contemporary artistic influences. This approach allows each image to capture a sense of place while reflecting the layered identity and narrative of the Australian landscape.

You can explore an online exhibition. The exhibition will showcase the complete series of images, accompanied by their geographic coordinates (What3Words) and the names of the Australian artists and paintings that served as stylistic inspirations. To further contextualise the work and enrich its connection to Australia's cultural narrative,

Through this body of work, I aspire to create a visual dialogue that encourages viewers to contemplate their own journeys of self-discovery, mortality, and connection. This exploration of vulnerability and resilience aligns with the ethos of the Fellowship distinction, contributing a meaningful and innovative perspective to the photographic arts.

Look at the left image and notice how the AI program used it to create shapes, lines, and different shades in the right image.