Jason McDonald, Devlish Picnic, 2024

Limited edition of 20 photograph on archival matt paper, image: 82x52cm, frame: 93x63cm oak finish frame.

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We take offence when our serenity is disturbed by the indigenous bush inhabitants.

The yawning gape of the Tasmanian Devil is indicative of their own fear not a sign of aggression and reason for eradication. This unique fellow is now a threatened species within its own domain.

The Tasmanian Devil was photographed at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo breeding program.

Follow along the whimsical journey of suburban mayhem as our celebrated ‘Spirit of the Bush’ gets tested in a myriad of ways. Who hasn’t been marred by a creepy crawly on the picnic rug? Disturbed by an unexpected bump outside in the night? Threatened by a magpie dive-bomb?

On a small stage we fully embrace nature with her beauty and bounty - it is however a conditional love - that seasons remain predictable, that wildlife is contained on our outskirts, that natural resources can be continually commodified. The big picture is that urbanisation of landscape does indeed have consequence, it’s a battle in the bush and Mother Nature can still catch us with our pants down to sting us on the tail.

This diorama series is a progression of Jason’s artwork involving montage of his photography and graphic design. Each frame is a blend of two images - the flora and toy models positioned in the landscape in a single shot and then his original photograph of the animal/bird dropped into the set via digital editing.

Dioramas have historically been described as a “means to visually preserve nature as different environments change due to human involvement”. Unlike the antiquated versions which presented taxidermy animals and birds in realistic poses, Jason lets his camera lens capture the live models presenting a spectacle with the aim to “nurture a reverence for nature with its beauty and grandeur”.

Jason McDonald enjoyed a successful career in Sydney as an award-winning graphic designer before returning to the family farm near Mudgee NSW where he grew up surrounded by nature. It was here in 2015, Jason established his luxury accommodation - Permanent Camping Eco Retreat - while also following new directions in his creative pursuits.
Jason began a love of photographing landscapes, birds, insects, flora and fauna and then turning his photography into works of photo media art. In 2018, Jason featured in his first exhibition in Mudgee and since then has appeared in many national group exhibitions. More recently, he was the winner of the Milburn Art Prize, Brisbane Institute of Art, 5–28 May 2023 and a finalist in the Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize, Manly Art Gallery & Museum, 4–27 Aug 2023.

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Artwork is available for collection or shipping after the closing date of the exhibition, September 7th 2024.

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