Waratah Lahy, Evening Storm. Watercolour on paper, 15 x 14cm. Courtesy: Beaver Galleries, Canberra.

Canberra artist Waratah Lahy is drawn to painting the often unnoticed details of suburban life. Working in watercolour, her intriguing scenes capture moments gleaned from the everyday, at once recognisable and often unexpectedly beautiful. As a child, Waratah noticed newly installed Neighbourhood Watch signs and this instilled within her a sense of watchfulness. Since then, she has been an avid observer.

“My paintings tell an ongoing story of social change”, says the artist, “shifting populations, accrual of wealth, removal of public housing, bigger apartment blocks, separation from the natural environment, isolation and points of connection. Blink and you’ll miss it…but it’s also an ode to accidental beauty, and how the observation of small things can add value and meaning to the everyday”.

Opening Event: Thursday 19 October, from 5.30pm.

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