Camille Hannah Austramythicus – paternus

The painting speaks about a mythology fermented by dreams born long ago of a pastoral arcadia. This work plays upon traditions of Australian pastoral painting and is based on idealised notions that are projected onto the landscape, through which an inextricable connection between the landscape and our national identity has been forged.

The title Austramythicus – paternus is fictional, and refers to a ‘brand and tag’ notion of Australia as a European species, evolved from pastoral capitalism since European settlement. It is based on the act of botanical referencing at the time of colonisation.

Camille Hannah, 2012