Reflecting on my visit to the National Gallery of Victoria's "Real and Imagined"…

Reflecting on my visit to the National Gallery of Victoria's "Real and Imagined" exhibition, the work of Peter Dombrovskis, particularly "Highland rainforest, Pine Valley, Du Cane Range, Tasmania," resonates strongly with my own artistic journey. Captured in 1982 and printed in 1985, this Cibachrome photograph showcases Dombrovskis's deep connection with nature, especially the Tasmanian landscape.

This image stands out for its luminescence, drawing attention to the intricate details on the tree trunks and the rainforest floor. It invites viewers to engage with the complexities of this ancient ecosystem, highlighting its beauty and delicate nature. Dombrovskis's work, driven by his role as an environmentalist, is a compelling reminder of the urgency to protect such natural sites from commercial exploitation, a sentiment he passionately expressed.

The parallels between Dombrovskis's approach and my own work, including my series "Mountain Water (shanshui): Walking the Annapurna Track," are significant. Like Dombrovskis, my aim extends beyond mere visual representation to evoke an emotional response and a connection with nature. His method of using photography not only as an art form but also as a means for environmental activism echoes with my aspirations to use art to stimulate discussions about our relationship with the natural environment.

Dombrovskis's technique, similar to the "shanshui" philosophy integral to my work, involves more than capturing landscapes; it's about immersing in them, understanding their essence, and conveying their importance. His photography tells a compelling story of the land, highlighting the need for ethical consideration in preserving these ecosystems for future generations.

Revisiting this image at the NGV exhibition underscores the important role of artists in raising awareness about the need to conserve our natural world. Dombrovskis's image serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgency of protecting these unique wilderness areas from the threats of commercialisation

Peter Dombrovskis's "Highland rainforest, Pine Valley, Du Cane Range, Tasmania" is not only a demonstration of his exceptional skill as a photographer but also of his commitment to environmental preservation. His work continues to inspire and inform my artistic pursuits, serving as a poignant reminder of the influence of art in promoting change and deepening our appreciation of the natural world.