Harding investigates how people interact with the environments in and around our ‘bush capital’, Canberra. Her paintings convey a sensitivity and inquisitiveness about the typically overlooked environs on which they are based as she explores ways in which Canberra doesn’t live up to ideals, myths and expectations, but in falling short presents new possibilities. Postcards from Canberra is a collection of postcard sized paintings on cardboard of ‘throwaway’ scenes of everyday life in the city such as roadwork, residential construction and damaged urban infrastructure.
Harding also explores these ideas in the context of bush myths that have featured in Australian art and literature. As the ‘bush capital’, the contrast between these romantic myths and the realities of the urbanised but distinctive landscape is a bit ironic, however Harding finds that these legends do still have a place in Canberra.
ANCA Gallery
4 to 15 September, 2013
Canberra
Ongoing interventions in the landscape, 2012, acrylic, enamel, pencil and earth pigment on plywood, 60 x 90cm
Courtesy the artist
