CreatorYOWATitlePart II – A Journey into the UnknownDate2023MediumAcrylic on canvasDimensionsH. 910 mm x W. 1217mm x D. 40mmArtist StatementIn mid-2022, the artist became pregnant with her first child and Part II – A Journey into the Unknown, began. The landscape in this painting is a reflection of the changing world the artist found herself in, with fire-scarred trees and constant, isolating flood-waters surrounding her rural property. The depiction of the artist, floating in a swollen river, wearing a koala skull mask, is together personal and distant. Conscious of the changes in our planet's climate, while also guarded and joyful about her singular future.Accession NumberG2023.4.2Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of Yarrila Arts and Museum.
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Exhibition Label
YOWA’s moving artworks invite us on an intimate exploration of personal experience as the artist navigates pregnancy, miscarriage, climate anxiety and ultimately, celebration of new life. Each artwork in the series unpacks a distinct chapter and narrative that is deeply personal.
Part II – A Journey into the Unknown confronts the overwhelming reality of climate change for YOWA, pregnant again. The impact on the artist’s immediate surroundings is depicted, as she has painted herself on her property amidst rising floodwaters and the risk of fire.
Through a thought-provoking blend of imagery and symbolism we see the artist floating in a swollen river, heavily pregnant, wearing a koala skull mask. As YOWA is conscious of the changes in the planet’s climate, she is also guarded and distant under the koala skull mask, concealing complex emotions. While anxious about the environment, impacts on country and bringing a child into this uncertain world, she is also hopeful about her singular future and upcoming birth of her child.
Description
Painting of a landscape with a pregnant figure partially submerged, her face covered by a koala's skull. Acrylic on canvas.
