On entering the gallery, I was overwhelmed by the dark elegance of the exhibition
with its hauntingly evocative soundscape.
Twenty five large photographic prints are on display, each print mounted
into a matching black frame and matt board without glass.
Low lighting is applied to the gallery walls with each print bathed in a
soft ethereal circle of light. The mood created is one of refinement.
This show makes the BRAG main gallery look the very best I have ever seen
it.
The Sunken Houses exhibition was created by Marsellos in response to the
record breaking January 2013 Bundaberg floods. It is a personal and historical
record of the aftermath of the disaster as Marsellos experienced it.
As one who lived through this disaster and had been active in the cleanup
stages, I was moved to tears by the sad reminders of such difficult times, as
were many others who have attended the exhibition. The soundtrack, at times
beautifully melancholic, at other times... uplifting, took me on an emotional
journey.
A huge print of one of the sunken houses covers a large wall near the entry,
evoking awe in the viewer. The image of
a house sinking threatens our sense of the home as a safe haven. This feeling is reiterated throughout the
exhibition.
Another print entitled 'Signs are hard to see', depicts an empty block of land
with a pair of old concrete driveway tracks, that lead to the house that is no
longer there.
These are powerful images by Brad Marsellos... a very accomplished
photographer.
The opening saw a record breaking crowd of 260 people attending the exhibition. More attendance records have been broken
daily as people continue to come, and in many cases return to see this very
moving show.
Sound artist, Heinz Riegler performed his soundtrack live at the opening,
to a most appreciative audience. His outstanding contribution to this project
has been greatly appreciated for its sensitivity and appropriateness.
This is a very special exhibition,
and I recommend that you go and see it before it closes on the 27th of April.
