Jo Bertini, The Road Out West, 2013 oil on canvas, 91 x 91 cm.

11 October to 16 November 2014

The concept of ‘Out West’ is a relative experience in Australia. The ‘West’ is ‘Outback’, foreign, unknown territory, wilderness. Perhaps it is only when one has experienced truly remote, isolated areas of Australia – the inland desert regions – that this concept of the ‘Wild Wild West’ holds real meaning. Jo Bertinis’ paintings are an investigation into people and place, gender roles and the transformative nature of the Australian landscape. They offer an alternative to the predominantly archived, non-indigenous (western), male history and vision of the desert landscape genre. They investigate neglected concepts from the perspective of the ‘Female Explorer’, ‘Frontiers Woman’ and pay homage to women whose lives have been irrevocably linked with country usually perceived as male terrain. The female ‘Wild Wild West’ is still a visually under-described landscape. These works come from Jo Bertinis’ years as Expedition Artist on scientific, exploration, research and survey work with Australian Desert Expeditions. This exhibition is presented in association with the Central West Regional Art Award.