Jon Dowding
              

This is an exploration that I have been returning to for about 12 years on and off. The immense nature of the night sky, particularly viewed from the desert, places us where we should be - as diminutive specks in the universe. This is something that is understood by animist societies, but not by western imperialist cultures.

These painting show the sheer beauty and enormity of the universe whilst below on earth some of the more heinous truths are pointed out, either in written form as in "I Was . . .", or concealed with subtle painting ("Hidden Truths"). The irony of "Signs of Civilisation #2" is self explanatory. The largest of these 4 works "Peace on Earth #2" is a contemplative piece that can absorb the viewer for great lengths of time - and space!

Jon Dowding
December 2005