Radius Art Space is proud to present “The Trees Endure, The Land Has Memory,” an immersive series of photographic works by David Rosendale. This evocative exhibition, created on DjaDja Wurrung Country within the Hepburn Regional Park and Wombat State Forest, captures the essence of place and the profound ties that bind us to the land. 

Emerging during the global pandemic in 2021, Rosendale’s work represents a meditative response to an unprecedented time of adversity. The series reflects the unique opportunity for introspection and exploration afforded by this period—time to reconnect with the local landscape, delve into art history, and investigate the timeless themes of struggle, survival, and reinvention. 

Through daily wanderings in the forests and waterways of Hepburn and Daylesford, Rosendale discovered metaphors for these universal themes, mirrored in the landscape’s rich and varied histories: ancient Indigenous connections, colonial legacies, and the scars of gold mining. Yet, the series moves beyond historical documentation, offering an intimate and painterly exploration of personal connection and resilience. 

Curator, Kim Percy, remarked, “When I first saw Rosendale’s photographs, I was struck by how he captured the light and atmosphere in the paintings by the Heidelberg School. It was like stepping back in time through the lens of the camera.” 

“The Trees Endure, The Land Has Memory” combines painterly qualities with photographic precision, blurring the boundaries between visual mediums. With minimal human presence in the works, the focus rests entirely on the land’s narrative—the sun rising each day, the forest transforming from darkness to light, and the profound beauty of rediscovering the world “en plein air.” 

This series is both a reflection on the restrictive nature of the pandemic and a celebration of liberation and rediscovery. It culminates in a sense of closure and optimism, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with the infinite and enduring spirit of the natural world. 

Join us at Radius Art Space from March 1st to April 12th, 2025, to experience this stunning photographic journey and explore the timeless concept of “place” through the lens of David Rosendale. 

Read more about David and his practice here:
https://www.davidrosendale.com.au/the-hum-of-industry/