Artist Imogen Kerr’s painting series explores the complexities of our natural surroundings while shedding light on the detrimental impact of colonialism and capitalism on our environment. 

Sustainability is a significant theme in Petrichor, as Imogen utilises found and foraged materials in her creative practice, choice of methods and materials. Brushes are carefully crafted from the hair of her father's horses and watercolour is handmade from natural materials. In fusing these processes, the artist questions material hierarchy and gives the natural world and artistic interventions equal weight. By utilising rain in the mark-making process, Imogen’s paintings capture droplet-like prints and gestures, prompting viewers to contemplate the value of natural resources like water, and its currency as a capitalist resource. Through layer upon layer of ecological and elemental activation, the artist attempts to time and place with material permanence. 

Examining colonial and capitalistic extractivism, Imogen incorporates the ominous presence of the ground coal, sourced from a New South Wales mine. The materiality of coal considers the systemic issues at play that ignites the devastating potential of a material that once was part of the earth. Through this process, the exhibition compels us to reflect on the significance of sustainability, care, and the need to honour and preserve Country.