exhibition | Darwin Local Artists

Dark Social Realism

DVA Members' Exhibition

11 - 26 March 2022

The tropical north is abundantly picturesque: the stunning colours, the laid-back, ‘outdoorsy’ lifestyle and the flora and fauna all lend themselves to 'postcard-like' snapshots.

But what lies beneath?

What’s lurking in the shadows?

What's really going on socially in the tropical north?

Dark Social Realism gives you a chance to capture something on ‘film’ that speaks to the structure of our urban and rural society; one aspect, perhaps, of what life is really like; or how the prevailing culture and norms affect everyday lives, in this picturesque place.

For the first time in at least two years, DVA is opening the entire gallery to photographic visual artworks -- including moving images -- and we are excited to see the Top End community through your lens, in stark black and white, or noir.

If you would like to purchase a piece from this exhibition, please contact DVA gallery: info@dvaa.net.au

Alison Worsnop | Girl Gang Attacks Childcare Worker Part 1

2022
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
420 x 297mm
$60 ea. | $100 set

Dark drama captured on a Cocky Apple flower: An innocent carer, going about her business of collecting food for her family, is brutally attacked by a gang of girls, believed to be sisters.
Button
Alison Worsnop | Girl Gang Attacks Childcare Worker Part 2

2022
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
420 x 297mm
$60 ea. | $100 set

Dark drama captured on a Cocky Apple flower: An innocent carer, going about her business of collecting food for her family, is brutally attacked by a gang of girls, believed to be sisters.
Button
David Dalzell | OZ

2022
Photograph on Ilford Photo Lustre (Framed)
445 x 320mm
$89

“OZ” forms a trio of black and white photographs which use the built, technical and natural elements of Darwin, as well as the found object of the Territorian Akubra to explore the impending impact of global warming; our endeavours to create more sustainable transport, with the negative and positive tensions they evoke; and the ultimate aim for harmony between people and their natural world.
Button
David Dalzell | Old & New

2022
Photograph on Ilford Photo Lustre (Framed)
320 x 445mm
$89

“Old & New” forms a trio of black and white photographs which use the built, technical and natural elements of Darwin, as well as the found object of the Territorian Akubra to explore the impending impact of global warming; our endeavours to create more sustainable transport, with the negative and positive tensions they evoke; and the ultimate aim for harmony between people and their natural world.
Button
David Dalzell | Global Warming

2022
Photograph on Ilford Photo Lustre (Framed)
445 x 320mm
$89

“OZ” forms a trio of black and white photographs which use the built, technical and natural elements of Darwin, as well as the found object of the Territorian Akubra to explore the impending impact of global warming; our endeavours to create more sustainable transport, with the negative and positive tensions they evoke; and the ultimate aim for harmony between people and their natural world.
Button
Jacob Hazeldine | In the Shed

2022
35mm film scan on Ilford Photo Lustre
420 x 297 mm
$118
Button
Jacob Hazeldine | No Junk Mail Thank You

2022
35mm film scan on Ilford Cotton Rag
420 x 594 mm
$134
Button
Tulin Torunoglu | Survival

2022
Digital photograph on photographic Paper
420 x 297mm
$50

Survival writing made by paracetamol pills on the bed while I was covid sick. This is what is really going on socially in tropical North for me. Stuck in a room with a sick and weak body, alone...
Button
Karl Brand | Another kind of Buildup

1992
Photograph on photographic paper (Framed)
200 x 500 mm
$40
Button
Karl Brand | End Of The Road, Wadeye

2018
Photograph on photographic paper (Framed)
500 x 200 mm
$40
Button
Karl Brand / Shilo McNamee | T-cup not D-cup Air Raid Arcade

2019
Photograph on photographic paper (Framed)
500 x 200 mm
NFS
Button
Heather Whybrow | Mad World

2022
Photograph on photographic paper
297 x 420mm
Button
Gayle Laidlaw | Public Consultation

2022
Digital photograph on photographic paper (Framed)
1400mm x 440mm
$250

My work shows a government bureaucrat not wanting to listen or collaborate with the community. Instead, statements like “extensive consultation undertaken” or “it’s a done deal” get issued. Government needs to be more collaborative.
Button
Clara Prentice | Raw Darwin 1 - Brownsmart

2022
Black and white film on Ilford Photo Lustre
420 x 297mm
$80

Darwin’s Landscape is usually represented through vibrant oranges and lush greens, highlighting the tropical north. What do we see through a black and white lens? I took these images at noon midweek, no one is outside, everyone is taking full advantage of the air con. The heat scorches my skin and the humidity drenches me in sweat. I think film photography reflects the authentic and old school feel of Darwin through a raw and unfiltered perspective as well as creating a timeless element.
Button
Clara Prentice | Raw Darwin 2 - Galleria

2022
Black and white film on Ilford Photo Lustre
420 x 297mm
$80

Darwin’s Landscape is usually represented through vibrant oranges and lush greens, highlighting the tropical north. What do we see through a black and white lens? I took these images at noon midweek, no one is outside, everyone is taking full advantage of the air con. The heat scorches my skin and the humidity drenches me in sweat. I think film photography reflects the authentic and old school feel of Darwin through a raw and unfiltered perspective as well as creating a timeless element.
Button
Clara Prentice | Raw Darwin 1 - Waterfront

2022
Black and white film on Ilford Photo Lustre
420 x 297mm
$80

Darwin’s Landscape is usually represented through vibrant oranges and lush greens, highlighting the tropical north. What do we see through a black and white lens? I took these images at noon midweek, no one is outside, everyone is taking full advantage of the air con. The heat scorches my skin and the humidity drenches me in sweat. I think film photography reflects the authentic and old school feel of Darwin through a raw and unfiltered perspective as well as creating a timeless element.
Button
Jacob Hazeldine | James, Environmental Portrait

2022
120mm film scan on Ilford Cotton Rag
594 x 841mm
SOLD
Button
David Cook | Hoarders Personified

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag on foamcore
841 x 560mm
$200

We hoard here in the NT!
Not unlike worker ants scurrying, carting, and possessing. Hurrying, in seething columns, to store things away in our metropolis.
Captured as Supercar fans leave the race circuit at Hidden Valley.

Insta @darwin_photographer_d_artisan
Button
David Cook | Skate Park Mashup

2017/2022
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag on foamcore
841 x 474mm
$200

Counterculture? Is Darwin counterculture that “counter”? Scenes like this could be disquieting to some, but hey, stop look closer with your mind clear of preconceptions. You may see our youth enjoying one of our parks.

Images captured at Rapid Creek Skate Park, Fun collage.

Insta @darwin_photographer_d_artisan
Button
David Cook | Too Many Choices?

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag on foamcore
841 x 474mm
$200

The crossroads; Hmmmm. Do we really have “too many choices” in this time of panic-demic?
Are we puppets dangling on mask strings?
Led?

Darwin City Mitchell Street junction, documenting an era.

Insta @darwin_photographer_d_artisan
Button
Nicholas Parry | The Reaper

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag (Framed)
406 x 508mm
NFS (framed) | $150 (unframed)

This image was the first made in a series that aimed to vocalise the horrific nature of domestic violence. The Reaper, of course playing himself, would be there to collect the aftermath of DV.
Button
Nicholas Parry | The Angel

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag (Framed)
406 x 508mm
NFS (framed) | $150 (unframed)

The second image made in a series that aimed to vocalise the horrific nature of domestic violence. The Angel, depicted here lays broken and in tears, feeling helpless and alone – a victim of her partner’s rage and substance abuse.
Button
Nicholas Parry | The Demon

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag (Framed)
406 x 508mm
NFS (framed) | $150 (unframed)

The Third and perhaps darkest image made in a series that aimed to vocalise the horrific nature of domestic violence. The Demon, sits alone, trapped within his own mind and outside of it. Festering in his own jaded world, he drinks and ponders how he has been wronged himself only moments after assaulting his partner. Both a victim and an assailant, this is truly no way to live.

A fourth image is yet to be made, ending the group of characters to feature. A young child, innocent and a recipient of tragedy would be the final bend enclosing the vicious circle that DV can spawn.
Button
Pascoe Lawler | Blend

2022
Digital photograph print on Ilford Cotton rag
420 x 594 mm
SOLD
Button
Pascoe Lawler | Dormant

2022
Digital photograph print on Ilford Cotton rag
420 x 594 mm
$250
Button
Pascoe Lawler | Linked

2022
Digital photograph print on Ilford Cotton rag
420 x 594 mm
$250
Button
Stan Whiting | I Am Iron Man

2022
Digital photograph on Ilford Crystal Gloss
500 x 1500mm
NFS
Button
Elizabeth Martin | And Then There Were Three

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
594 x 841mm
NFS

Taken in the days following my sister’s husband’s sudden death, this photo of her with her two young sons highlights the fragility of life and the importance of human connection & love.
Button
Julia Chalmers | Never Again

2022
Photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
297 x 420mm
$30

My child was anxious about World War III. As I tried to offer reassurance of our safety, the remnants of WWII got in the way.
Button
Jenny Shepherd | Stair

2022
Digital photograph on Ilford Photo Lustre
297 x 420mm
$100
Button
Jenny Shepherd | Chair

2022
Digital photograph on Ilford Photo Lustre
297 x 420mm
$100
Button
Nicole Zicchino | Screentime

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
600 x 400mm
$250
Button
Nicole Zicchino | We Can't Hug Right Now

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
600 x 400mm
$250
Button
Nicole Zicchino | Joy

2021
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
600 x 400mm
$250
Button
Roswyn Rennie | Wildlife Park Aquarium, Through the Eyes of a Child

2020
Digital photograph on Ilford Cotton Rag
297 x 420mm
$120

What a very satisfying experience, producing a journal “Through the Lens” of my grandchildren at the Territory Wildlife Park.
Button