Alexander McKenzie The island is a mighty fortress

This work continues my exploration of an implied narrative taking place within a landscape. The suggested journey and choices of direction in each of these paintings reflect the decisions – both temporal and spiritual – that all of us must make in our lives.

In The island is a mighty fortress, the island looms large as a symbol of life’s struggle, both menacing and beautiful, with the various infrastructure indicating possible pathways toward the top. I want the viewer to explore each of these options and find his or her own way to reach the summit, symbolising our need to each find our own answers to life’s questions.

The work is part of my latest series of paintings, which will be exhibited at Martin Browne Contemporary in Paddington in May.

Alexander McKenzie, 2012