Judy Watson, memory scar, cotton tree leaf, grass, brachychiton illawarra flame tree pods, 2020. Indigo, acrylic, graphite, pigment and acrylic binder medium on canvas, 180 x 148.5cm. Courtesy: the artist and Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne.
A new urgency is present in Judy Watson’s memory scars, dreams and gardens. The idyllic yet dystopian title is telling of the artist’s trepidation over the past few months, conjuring memories of the macabre and eccentric 1994 non-fiction Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Our shared homeland has suffered the ravages of drought, fire and the contamination and salination of precious waterways. Purposeful or accidental destruction of cultural sites and loss of species are by-products of expanding commercial industry. This has sat heavily with Watson.
While her home in Brisbane has only been moderately affected by global pandemic COVID-19 – especially in comparison with our southern neighbours – the feelings of unease from the current state of affairs are universally shared.
– From the exhibition catalogue essay by Katina Davidson, A/Curator, Indigenous Australian Art Australian Art, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
The gallery is open and practicing COVID-19 social distancing measures.
