Here and There, Near and Far, Now and Then
Recent Considerations by J F Fitz-Walter
18 December - 20 December
“My current habitation has resulted from considerations of my ancestors migrating to this landmass 183 years ago in the year 1839. Subsequent ancestors arrived prior to the federation of this landmass. They came from over ‘there,’ this being the opposing side of the Earth to ‘here.’
Diverse in their origins; culture, language, customs beliefs but of the the same geographical area; dispersed regions of islands and peninsulas less in area than this landmass. Immigration was not imposed nor law enforced, but as a response to the conditions of their place of origin; the seeking of a perceived better future.
In late 2025, I visited ‘far’ places of my ancestors, places that have influenced ‘Western’ culture, beliefs and customs. Experience a sense of the ‘Western Civilisation’ that has permeates so much of here.
On each day an image was created that responded to the seven places travelled over a six week period. The final image is of the night descent into Dubai in transit from ‘there’ to ‘here.’ It was here that I contemplated the migration of my ancestors back ‘then’ on their long voyage by ship when compared to the convenience of todays travel by air. Our innate needs to travel and migrate globally are reflected in the growing number of displaced peoples and those seeking future opportunity.
Closing event:
When: 20 November 2025, 5-9 pm
Where: Land Street Gallery, 6 Land St Toowong
Entry: FREE
