Co-Curator

Earth/Sky began as an exhibition idea called ‘Celestial Realms’ and became a broader concept about what it is to be on planet earth enveloped within the greater cosmos. Drawing on a diverse treasure trove from the NGA's permanent collection, the show explored artists’ unerring fascination with the natural world and the sky above. Including many works that had never been displayed before, Earth/Sky asked questions about our relationship to outer space and our position as a species on this planet.

From exquisite nineteenth century engravings of sky maps and historic comets by John Carmichael and Ludwig Becker to bark paintings by Oenpelli artist Mick Kubarkku depicting his moon Dreaming, Earth/Sky showed the universal inspiration that the cosmos has provided for many artists. Likewise, the rich plant life found on planet earth, the only planet in the solar system that can support life as we know it, has also been a great resource for many artists.

I had many favourite works from the collection in this exhibition, but two resonated especially. First was Mary Morton Allport’s Comet of 1843 as seen from Aldrigde Lodge, V.D.L with its vista of native plants in the foreground and the light, bright tale of the comet as it streams through the Southern Cross.