Wetlands Flowers, 2023

James McGrath and his collaborators would like to acknowledge the following First Nations peoples upon whose land Wetlands Flowers was filmed: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation and [TBC Boonwurrung, Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners].

James McGrath is a painter, architect and video artist working primarily in digital art. McGrath’s paintings and videos showcase his depth as a painter and digital artist, harmoniously integrated with his architectural expertise. McGrath’s artworks have been exhibited nationally and internationally in New York, Hong Kong, London, Toronto and Sydney.

Wetlands Flowers delves into the bond between location and the natural world, within the diverse landscapes of regional and urban Victoria. The essence of the Victorian wetlands is captured across transient terrains, from serene creeks to bustling estuaries and ever-changing tidal zones.

The foreground presents a captivating visual narrative of the subtle tensions and
interactions between native flora and European botanical visions, drawing attention to the deeper reverberations of European establishment in Australia. Clusters of native flora represent the cherished memories and essence of Australia’s indigenous vegetation. In contrast, ethereal ‘point clouds’ of introduced European flowers symbolise a Western scientific interpretation of flora. The introduced botanicals are constant morphing; an analogy for their lack of connection and sense of not truly belonging within the native landscape.