OCEANS BETWEEN, OCEANS APART

SURYA BAJRACHARYA

Exhibition Dates: 23 October - 11 November 2015

Political commentary is a precarious undertaking for artists. Originally focusing on elements of the Abbott Government’s immigration policies and questions of leadership, the content of Surya Bajracharya’s Oceans Apart, Oceans Between was all but lost as the tides of change swept through Australia’s Liberal Party. A week is indeed a long time in politics ! Fortunately the concept of leadership was always central to this series of screen prints and the change of Prime Ministers ultimately provided more grist for the mill.  While Bajracharya is 100% visual artist he has many things in common with political cartoonists and humour sharpens his messages regarding mandatory detention and the protection of Australia’s lifestyle. Surya calls to question how in touch governments are with the electorate and if we can ever present an ethical unified view on anything …

Writer, curator and arts producer Yolande Norris said, “This series encourages the viewer to stand in another’s shows, reflecting what we have and they do not. By valuing humanity over selfish preoccupation it might just be possible to bridge chasms of difference wherever they are found.” 

Image: Surya Bajracharya Don’t Hold Your Breath 2015