acrylic polymers on TrimDec steel.
4.1 x 48.0 mt
2023
Commissioned by the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society, the emerging story is about the history of agriculture in the district. From the days when agriculture was delivered by the sweat of settlers and their animals in the outdoors represented here by the teamster, horses and wagon loaded with bagged wheat. Then to the mechanisation of farming producing abundant yields in the vast landscape. And finally, to the shearing shed, which along with silos and other buildings represent the "interiorization" of farming in controlled production environments. Behind these significant changes, we have the iconic Warrumbungles horizon, timeless and persistent through all change in First Nations timelines.
The design was workshopped with the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society, reviewing three digital versions before arriving at the final design. The project required a scaled, studio-painted panorama, and printed site plans. The images are hand drawn from a gridded plan in chalk and charcoal, and painted on site over a two week period in November 2023.
Assisting artists: Locky Naef, Blake Browning and Frits Bos.
The project was funded by Gilgandra Shire Council under the Federal Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
4.30min documentary YouTube of the production process: https://youtu.be/lJHoGG8rGDw?feature=shared