Elemental

Elemental features a series of significant works that explore the patterns, forces and systems of nature, and humanity’s impact upon these. This collection of works draws inspiration from and represents the natural world in contemplative, confronting and insightful ways. Some draw from the shapes and formations of which nature is comprised, offering intuitive interpretations of the environment. Others provide abstract perspectives of expansive landscapes from viewpoints unattainable by the human eye. Many seek to alter our perceptions of our natural surrounds through documentary, scientific or surreal approaches, revealing the unsustainable impacts of contemporary societies on our ecosystems. Elemental highlights the beauty, force and fragility of the earth’s systems, encouraging a reverence of our intrinsic relationship to the environment.

This exhibition is drawn principally from the McClelland permanent collection, with the addition of several key works on private loan. Significantly, a number of works are being presented for the first time since their acquisition, each expanding upon McClelland’s core focus of art and nature.

Featured artists include Narelle Autio, Mike Brown, Andrew Browne, Augustine Dall’Ava, Peter Datjin Burarrwanga, John Davis, Juan Ford, Angelina George, John Gollings, Janet Laurence, Akio Makigawa, John Mawurndjul, Anton McMurray, Dorothy Napangardi, Jasmine Targett, Neil Taylor, Wukun Wanambi, Pedro Wonaeamirri, Timothy Wulanjbirr and Gulumbu Yunupingu.