Landscapes of Survival and Reconciliation

Landscapes of Survival and Reconciliation by JIM ANDERSON is both photomontagic and collagic, created by the addition of imagery scanned from multifarious sources, with the resulting juxtapositions of subject matter to develop the themes of survival and reconciliation.

Jim Anderson's career spans over 50 years and a variety of artistic mediums contributing to publications, exhibitions and screenings around Australia and the world.

'In effect, my simple observational and photographic documentary photographs of the older generation of gay bushwalkers and the ever changing landscapes walked through, become stories which comment upon two disparate cultures, that of the competitive European colonisers, and that of the spiritually engaged First Nations people.

Over the years I became aware that the bush trails we walked upon may well have been used since time immemorial by, the First Nation's peoples who walked, not just these trails, but wherever they journeyed and thrived according to their laws and customs, across this vast and ancient continent.

The exhibition also features a slide show of a selection of photographs of the bush-walks which inspired my complex imagery. For example, Kurnell to Cronulla, Bundeena to Otford, Heathcote National Park, the Budawangs, the Darwin Track in the Blue Mountains, Glenbrook Gorge, Upper and Lower Kangaroo Creek in the Royal National Park, Minnamurra to Kiama and further afield, Hinchinbrook Island.' Jim Anderson 2020

These bush-walks stretched across Eora, Yuin, Duarug, Tharawal, Dharuga and Guringai Nations. Respect to the traditional owners and custodians of the lands sea and sky.

Please advice the content of this exhibition may contain images of first nations people who have passed away.

Some images contain nudity.

The work explores the themes of identity, human rights, survival and reconciliation.

The artist will be available each day to discuss his work, his artistic exploration of the themes and share his personal experiences.

This work is a part of HEAD ON and accompanies the exhibtion in the 107 gallery.  The artists are CHRISTINE ANSORGE, KATE BALLIS, ALLAN COKER, FRANCIS MINIEN, NATALIE MROZ, SUZAN PEKTAS, FIONA RUCK and KELLY SLATER.