Emily McGhee
Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus
FRACK
Drawing
Charcoal, paper
My body of work explores the current sense of apathy regarding the climate crisis. Using stop-motion animation I represent two diametrically opposed processes: a manufactured machine that contributes to the ruination of the Earth; and a natural ecosystem that works as a filter and serves to protect the Earth. My intent is to condemn rapacious modern consumerism and its resulting negligence of the exponential degradation of the natural world, and to offer a reminder of the ways in which the Earth works to undo the harm we inflict upon it.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the artist William Kentridge, Felix in Exile.
Marker's Commentary
The connection between Frack and the work of William Kentridge is evident immediately in the use of charcoal, erasure and working over the drawing, the stop-motion animation and the integration of blue to highlight the water in the disparate settings. However, the conceptual aspects of this work are ubiquitously Australian and McGhee’s deep knowledge and care for the natural landscape is evident in the juxtaposition of the dry and arid interiors of Australia, the mangrove swamp and the use of water within an intimate domestic setting. The choice of subject matter and the skilful rendering of charcoal, communicates strong themes of human impact on the environment and our collusion in the current state of affairs. The visual transitions and the dynamic compositional elements, showcase sophisticated choices in communicating this theme to engage an audience on a variety of levels.