For his masterwork, third-year BFA (Properties and Objects) Henry Wilkinson recreated authentic objects used by bushwalkers camping in the Blue Mountains in 1916.
Above: Henry discusses his work at the EXPONIDA exhibition.
Above: Henry’s masterwork To The Cox’s River on display at EXPONIDA. (Photo: Maja Baska)
For his masterwork, third-year BFA (Properties and Objects) Henry Wilkinson recreated authentic objects used by bushwalkers camping in the Blue Mountains in 1916.
Henry chose to hark back to the turn-of-the-century for his masterwork, called To The Cox’s River, recreating camping gear using original methods contemporary to that time. Henry collaborated with the State Library of NSW to research and use his recreations as set dressing for a short film, based on the true adventures of his great uncle, Blue Mountains bushwalking enthusiast and respected painter Bert Gallop. Gallop had been instrumental in preserving the Blue Mountains area as a national park.
The classic Australiana objects were used commonly at the time, and include cooking equipment such as billies, bellows, a trunk, a tripod made from oak, camping canteens, cooking wires and writing utensils. Materials used include leather, wood and canvas.
Feeling inspired? For information about NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Properties and Objects) course, see nida.edu.au.EXPONIDA 2019 is now showing until 14 December at NIDA’s Kensington campus, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033 from Monday to Friday 9-5pm. Entry is free.
