Kyle Hughes-Odgers - Karijini, Australia

Silkscreen print, edition of 50, signed and numbered by the artist, unframed

Destination: Karijini, Australia

Date: 3 - 8 February, 2021

Jaunt #070

approx. 27.5"h x 19.75"w, 70cm x 50cm

"Over the years I have seen many photos of Karijini, but sometimes images on the internet can be over stylised or not show the 1000 tourists just outside of the shot. I was however blown away when I arrived. The national park was gigantic and the hiking and gorges, absolutely amazing. It was also quite dangerous which was nice, as more and more now we are told where to stand and how to act. The landscape obviously deserves respect but it was great to be able to climb, scramble and feel connected to the earth. 

The general attitude of other humans I interacted with in the national park, showing respect, carrying everything you brought in back out with you. It was very positive. Interestingly, the landscape itself is almost far enough north for crocodiles and it looks like perfect swimming holes for them but it was too far inland. That was a nice surprise, it looked like crocodiles would love it here but they are not there. 

The scale and the light made a big impression on me. It is very difficult to really show the scale in photographs or relate the sense of awe that I felt. The light would change constantly during the day and the sun or shade hitting different rock walls could completely change the colour spectrum. Inspired by my experiences during this trip I created an abstract work with colours that are directly inspired from the early morning light hitting the gorge walls, combined with the rock walls, rock stacks and this strange sense of balance that is in Karijini." 

-Kyle Hughes-Odgers