Vigars Well, Mungo NP – Stephen Best
Out West is a set of nine pinhole images taken in August 2014 on a trip to outback NSW.
“Far-western NSW may not register much these days on capital city consciousness but it’s an area central to the nation’s past prosperity. Wool exported to the “mother country” from large sheep stations serviced by steamers plying the Darling predates today’s mining boom. It’s a land of harsh extremes with remote outposts serviced by Cobb & Co coaches, the tracks of which still survive today in parts. There’s also a long history of aboriginal settlement in areas such as Mungo and Mutawintji. All this overlaid on the enduring landscape itself.
“Out West is an attempt to capture in vignettes some of this history and landscape. In this I have continued my exploration of the pinhole medium, still learning how this camera “sees” and its applicability to this subject matter. I feel it’s only appropriate that this timeless region be rendered by means, and with treatment, suited to its antiquity.”
The exhibition will be opened by Gordon Undy at 6pm on Thursday 26th February at the Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka Arts Centre and runs to 22nd March.
The paper selected for these toned black & white prints was Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth.
More information:
Darling River, Karoola Reach I – Stephen Best
Privy, Mungo Woolshed – Stephen Best
Bynguano Range, Mutawintji NP II – Stephen Best