Printmaker puts focus on global issues

WITH her latest exhibition launched over the weekend, printmaker Amanda Western is broadening the scope around her key environmental themes.

Having focused primarily on endangered Australian wildlife during her previous shows, her current exhibition Fragile Fight is shifting towards to a global perspective.

“It’s about recognising endangered species across the globe and it’s the first time I’ve introduced species from outside Australia,” she said.

“It’s come from two developments in my practice. One is that I’m volunteering with Conservation Without Borders which is about preserving environments and migratory pathways for animals like whales and birds.

“I’ve also been accepted in Artists for Conservation which is an international group of 500 exhibiting artists showcasing endangered species. I’m one of two Australian printmakers in the group.

“Often we have species that rely on particular ecosystems but there’s also some that rely on the whole world.”

Comprising 26 pieces as well as unframed works, exotic animals such as the black rhinoceros, zebra, western lowland gorilla, and lions as well as British fungi are featured in the show.

“I’m casting the net a little further now,” said Western.

The works are expected to be on display at Western’s personal exhibition space, Restore Gallery, at Restore Hand Therapy on Errard Street following the show’s end.

Western said there’s a hopeful message behind Fragile Fight.

“Fragile is around those fragile ecosystems but the fight is actually celebrating that a lot of these species are adapting behaviours to fight extinction,” she said.

“It’s not over and we do have hope. By our awareness raising and collaborating we can reverse this and help with the repair of some of these environments and species.”

Fragile Fight is on show at Ross Creek Gallery until Sunday 28 April.