Going, Going, Gone ... (SOLO EXHIBITION) 

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 Samantha Laird's practice explores how the Australian landscape is connected to identity and belonging. The primary aim     of her work is to provide an opportunity to consider the characteristics of the environment. She uses latex to create reliefs t   reveal the physical and subtle qualities of a place. This investigation highlights that place is more than just a location, it is a   social connection created by human experiences and memories.

 

 Laird started planning this body of work after the devastating 2019/20 Australian bushfire season. The Black Summer   blazes left communities shattered and generated "another" conversation about the impact of climate change. A news article   broadcasting how the volunteer group Blazeaid were helping farmers rebuild fences captured her interest. Rebuilding these   fences provided somewhere to contain the remaining livestock while people planned their next move. The loss of human   life, properties, animals and natural habitats during this time was overwhelming and difficult to comprehend. This had the   artist questioning the condition of the environment in which she lives. 

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 The materials used speak about overcoming adversity and the strength of community on an individual and collective level.   This project provided a connection between the physical and emotional aspects of the landscape.