Traverse – A New Exhibition by Kim Percy

“The whole people-smuggling problem is a false issue. We created a market for human smuggling. If

 asylum seekers could lawfully come to Australia and make a refugee claim without the need of sneaking in on boats, they would do it. But we make it illegal and create the market that smugglers thrive on.” Professor James Hathaway

Visual artist Kim Percy has blended both her love and fascination with water and her outrage and disbelief over the unfair treatment of those seeking asylum in Australia to create a compelling photographic exhibition and installation that surrounds, engulfs and transports the viewer into a space that will challenge and provoke.

Percy has been photographing water, sky and horizon for close to twenty years. Her previous work has explored her fascination with elemental symbology and a passion for abstracted landscape and seascape. However, for this exhibition Percy has moved very firmly from the abstract to the concrete by creating art that expresses her social and political despair at the Australian government’s inhumane policy on asylum seekers.

As the viewer enters the space they are surrounded by distorted images of the sea and a horizon line wrapping around the space. In the middle of the gallery space is a suspended installation of a boat made of aluminium that serves as a mirror reflecting the viewer so they see themselves surrounded by the distorted sea.

The result is a powerful and important exhibition that forces viewers to reflect on the courage, faith and desperation of people pushed to their limit and asks ‘what would you do?’

Traverse is a thought provoking visual journey that will stay with you long after leaving the gallery.

Limited edition prints will be available for purchase. 10% of sales will be donated to Asylum Seekers Resource Centre.

Where:  Stockroom  98 Piper St, Kyneton

When:   8 March till 8 April      Opening: 10 March 4-6pm

http://www.kimpercy.com/nav/frameset.htm