In 2013 Alison travelled to Gallipoli with a group of artists to paint en plein air. Sitting in a Turkish trench at “The Nek” five metres from the ANZAC trench, and painting the view over Suvla Bay, she could see the eight lines of trenches forming a labyrinth of infrastructure for the Turks, compared to a feeble single line for the ANZACs. She felt overwhelmed by the fragility of life and the absurdity of war.
Back in the studio, her experiences shaped the paintings and the work became about relationships, memories and what it is to be human. The experience of interconnection, our ties to those near and far, mates, lovers, family and foe.
Shoalhaven City Arts Centre & Regional Gallery
Until 8 August, 2015
New South Wales
Tied String and Wombat skull, 2015, oil paint on board, 26.5 x 35cm
