Environmental perspectives feature in Scenic Rim’s thought-provoking exhibition

The many facets of humanity’s impact on landscapes, seascapes and our climate are explored in Land & Sea, Scenic Rim Regional Council’s exhibition opening next month.

Combining two thought-provoking and compelling exhibitions, Landskins by Dr Paula Payne and Water Worlds by Nadine Schmoll, Land & Sea features contemporary landscape paintings on a grand scale and an otherworldly experience of underwater light and colour.

The exhibition will be officially launched by Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group Chair and Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Enright on Saturday 2 April and runs until 4 June at The Centre Beaudesert.

“Water Worlds is a spectacular look at the impact of plastic waste and climate change on our marine environment while Landskins offers a new perspective of the evolution of landscape art,” he said.

“Organic forms representing corals, jellyfish and sea urchins have been sculpted from plastic waste to create an immersive experience of life below the waterline, highlighting the threat to our environment posed by plastic pollution.

“This concern for the environment is also reflected in the large-scale paintings which have been produced in response to research about climate change and the impact of human activity on Earth’s ecosystems.”

Dr Paula Payne trained as a painter at the Queensland College of Art in the 1990s and traces the fine line graphic renderings, which are a fundamental element of her work, to her early exposure to technical drawing in her father’s engineering workshop.

The linear component of her work, says Dr Payne, combines historical ways of capturing the landscape and a form of contemporary mapping that reflects the anxious world we now inhabit.

“The line renderings extend to cartography, including lines of latitude and longitude, and refer to ways that humans have named and claimed the globe through physical explorations and world travel,” she said.

“Technology and global discussions are strong influences on my work, with a focus on the landscape and environmental genre as the biggest concern of this time.

“The cause and effects of climate change and the sustainability of the planet feature in the works, albeit often in an abstract or mysterious way.”

Nadine Schmoll’s works draw on the eight months she spent living and working on Lady Elliot Island, on the Great Barrier Reef, and an awareness of the lasting impact on the environment of single-use plastics.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a barometer for the well-being of our planet - one of the first major ecosystems to suffer the effects of climate change - and faces the additional threat of plastic waste which scientists forecast will reach 15.7 billion items in the Asia-Pacific region by 2025,” she said.

“Despite all these challenges, nature continually demonstrates its resilience and capacity to overcome if given the opportunity, if we pay attention with care and respect.

“The installation, Coral Fluorescence, explores a remarkable adaptation to climate change, as translucent coral polyps shine with fluorescence at night, a phenomenon some corals exhibit as a natural sunscreen to protect themselves from rising sea temperatures.

“Imagine the possibilities if we collaborate in mutual partnership with nature to ensure a brighter future for us all."

The free Land & Sea exhibition will be open during gallery hours from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday, except public holidays.

To register for the free official opening event online, visit Live at the Centre or telephone 5540 5050 during gallery hours.

A Two Perspectives Art Masterclass by Dr Paula Payne and Nadine Schmoll - exploring environmental themes through contemporary approaches to sculptural assemblage, photography, painting and mark making - will feature in the Escape in the Scenic Rim festival in May.

This full-day session costing $80 is aimed at arts practitioners and art teachers and will be held on Saturday 14 May at The Centre Beaudesert. Places are limited and bookings are essential. For details go here.