Paul Bibby
A new exhibition by photographic artist Marian Drew will be launched at the Tweed Tweed Regional Gallery next Friday.
The exhibition ‘Borrowed Landscapes‘ traces Drew’s career from 1983 to the present as is characterised by the relationship between landscape, history and cultural identity.
Marian Drew, Marsupial and protea 2004. Image: Marian Drew
‘I am interested in the idea of landscape as something we are a part of, not something ‘out there’ but something we carry in our heads, shaped by culture and experience’, she said.
‘I drag the “landscape” into the home, using the ‘still life’ table as a site that links history and present, public and private, outside and inside.’
Drew’s most well-known series of work involves images of native Australian road kill lying on starched white tablecloths alongside fruit, vegetables and utensils.
Drew photographs in the dark, then lights the scene with a torch, giving the landscape the appearance of a two-dimensional theatrical backdrop.
It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that people have had on our natural environment.
Drew has exhibited over 30 solo shows and numerous group shows in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Germany and France.
She was also a guest judge of this year’s Olive Cotton Award at the Tweed Regional Gallery, and the winning entry – Belinda Mason’s work Taken – will be on display alongside Drew’s work.
The artist will give a one hour talk on her exhibition and artistic practice on Sunday 25 August from 2-3pm.
