Belanglo

Since the discovery of seven brutally murdered backpackers at Belanglo State Forest in the early 1990s, Belanglo has been etched into our collective national psyche. This violent part of its history has become the most dominant memory associated with the area, and continues to cast its long and sinister shadow, almost three decades later.

This landscape – simultaneously so hostile and deeply intriguing – is ripe for artistic investigation.

A group of seven emerging Australian artists with diverse practices and life experiences recently spent time in Belanglo, responding to the site, its history and its future. Their work explores tensions between the past and present, life and death, culture and nature, with the resulting artworks contributing to a reimagining of Belanglo, revealing new ways of interpreting this landscape and its place in Australian culture.

The Belanglo exhibition concerns itself with reinterpreting the area, asking viewers to look beyond the now-faded news headlines and think more deeply about its place in the narrative of our country.

Belanglo is presented by aMBUSH Gallery, curated in partnership with Anna and Simon Mould, with the opening night event on Thursday, 24 May from 6-9pm at aMBUSH Gallery (4 James Street, Waterloo). Joins us for complimentary drinks, as well as nachos supplied by Beach Burrito.

The exhibition will be on display for the ensuing three days, open daily and free of charge to the public from Friday, 25 May to Sunday, 27 May, from 12-4pm.

Visit aMBUSH Gallery on Facebook and Instagram for exhibition updates.

Acknowledgment
Belanglo has been at the centre of a great deal of pain, suffering and heartache for many people. We recognise and respect the complex and diverse relationships that people have with this place. Belanglo is Gundungurra Country, and aMBUSH Gallery is built on Gadigal Country. We acknowledge the traditional owners of past, present and future.

Photography by Elize Strydom