SPACE 3: OTTO MACPHERSON

Exhibition dates. 20 Sep - 1 Oct, 2023
Opening Reception : Thursday 21 Sep 2023, 6:00 - 8.30pm

Toorloo Arm

Toorloo Arm is a response to my stay onboard FLOAT as an Artist in Residence in Lake Tyers/Bung Yarnda, East Gippsland on Gunaikurnai country, during January 2023. I spent two weeks exploring the Toorloo Arm of the lake system by kayak.

Inspired by surrealism, cubism and abstract expressionism and the art of Brett Whiteley, John Wolesley, Arshile Gorky and Joan Miro (particularly his ‘Constellation’ series), I approached creating these experimental drawings in an exploratory way, bordering on Automatism. I intended to illustrate harmonious, balanced ecosystems, as I kayaked through my memories of the waterways and banks. The addition of collage was used, including charcoal frottages gathered from the banks of Toorloo Arm. Winding through the artworks, they aim to represent the waterways and ground, and strengthen connection to place.

The works explore themes of connection between humans and nature, cosmology, native ecosystems, discovery, and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge.