Against the Tide I,II,III

This work depicts a section of Burramattagal/Parramatta River near Putney, where I once lived and rowed, and came to know the shifting moods of the water. The prints are translated from a topographic map into the linear language of a pianola roll to merge cartography, memory and movement. This work continues my fascination with rivers, explored with historical and personal experience to engage with place and connection to the natural world.

Recently I learnt of the international recognition of rivers as legal entities, that are given legal personhood and rights, including the right to flow and the right to be safe from pollution. There has been a shift in thought from considering the river as a source to exploit, a source of water, a drain. Burramattagal/Parramatta River has seen many changes since the colonisation, but not yet legal rights.