Work inspired by the current climate and environmental crisis, and yearning for serious commitment to political activity within First Nations and Australian people.
David Dalzell uses the majestic wildlife of the Australian continent, and human architecture; specifically parliamentary houses, the symbols of modern decision making.
He plays with perspective between our built landscape and Australia's natural wildlife, exploring tensions between decisions and their environmental impact. The work helps to convey a warning of uncontrolled change. To aid this, David contrasts the control of pen and ink work with the more spontaneous, energetic elements of fiery watercolour, or the organic representation of sea level rises.
The artist’s inspiration grew from the mythology of the First Nations People of the top-end - the wildfires brought by the red-tailed black cockatoo's bright plumage, harbingers of the dry season. There is a sense of beauty and danger in Australia’s natural heritage; the precious and vulnerable species in need of protection, and the hope for refuge and call to action from its voiceless occupants.