Take any single Australian painting that you saw at the gallery yesterday (it must be one that you saw) and write a description either in poetry or prose. Pay close attention to detail in your description. What you are in fact doing in this exercise is a piece of Ekphrastic Writing. Check up the meaning of this word!
Milford Sound, by Eugene Von Gerard was for me the most distinct artwork I saw. Despite not being from a New Zealand heritage I found a deep connection with this painting. Upon first viewing, despite this being a genuine location, this artwork had an almost otherworldly appearance to it, as if it belonged to a fantasy universe. The sheer size of the artwork, (99.2 x 176.0 cm stretcher; 137.5 x 213.5 x 14.0 cm frame) accompanied by the use of perspective, highlights the enormity of the landscape. I had feelings of insignificance in comparison to the majesty of nature. The amazing detail put into the foreground just before the water was truly incredible. Seeing each stone, the deep brown colour of mud and the varying greens of the flora made the painting so realistic, near photographic. The water being a reflective surface adds an extra layer of detail and realism. The lack of humanity in the image creates a serenity, a calm and quiet image, simply portraying the beauty of this location. Through reflection, I came to the conclusion that this artwork is solely about the beauty of nature and the tranquillity that comes with being so far removed from civilisation. Each time you view you find a new layer of detail that furthers the immersion into the scene. I never knew of this location before but through this artwork I’ve found another location around the world I intend on visiting one day.
Feature Image: Milford Sound, Eugene Von Gerard (1877-1879) Available at: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/OA1.1970/
Jared Marks' Brain 