The Corner Store Gallery - Ruby Davies
Sold Down the River: Recent Paintings of the Darling Barka
Opening Night Friday May 3rd, 6pm
What comes to mind when we think of rivers and river systems? Do we imagine swimming in pristine waters beneath overhanging and majestic trees? Are we picturing fully functioning ecosystems or are contemporary worlds focussed on the economic fortunes to be gained from exploiting rivers, depriving them of their life’s blood?
When I started this series in 2017 my focus was the muted beauty of the Darling Barka. The sombre colours, the slope of banks and the light at different times of day. Since September 2018 when ABC’s Four Corners ‘Pumped’ exposed political scandals, government corruption, water theft - and an avalanche of media attention - these escalating tensions have seeped into my images. A shift to inverted views; the mirror reflection of the river above, as seen on the water’s surface. And in response to the latest scandals; viewed through dark branches, the expanse of the river reduced to stagnant green pools with increasing stretches of dry river bed.
The Corner Store Gallery - Ruby Davies
The Corner Store Gallery - Ruby Davies
The Corner Store Gallery - Ruby Davies