Art / Emotional Landscapes II. At Australian National Capital Artists, Dickson, until May 11. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

This new exhibition featuring three artists examines the philosophical concept of humanity’s position within the natural world, while questioning the artificial human-nature divide.

Australian National Capital Artists (ANCA) in Dickson currently hosts Emotional Landscapes II, an exhibition where artists Margaret Gordon, Manuel Pfeiffer and Alan Pomeroy delve into the emotional link between humans and landscapes and their effect on our relationship with the natural world. Eva van Gorsel curated the exhibition.

Emotional Landscapes II is a joint exhibition with the Tin-Shed Art Group. Emotional Landscapes I, was held at ANCA in July/August 2024.

These three Canberran artists are well chosen to explore the sensitive settings that connect humans to their environment. The sights and sounds created between the mountains and the sea, where Canberra sits, are reflected in most works of the exhibition.

This connection is seen most strongly in Manuel Pfeiffer’s artworks. The unique ideas that fill his landscapes add a touch of philosophy mixed with an imaginary perspective that adds depth to his artworks, which not only pleases the eye but also the mind.

They are not just landscapes, but statements on humanity and how we live our lives. They cross a lot of visual and philosophical territory through their graphic nature.

The artworks of Alan Pomeroy go even further into the human psyche. These jump out at a viewer. His colour combination, subject matter and designs all lead to a questioning of what it means to think about existence. These artworks are not just highly crafted and well-balanced, they also make you feel their subject.

While similar in subject matter, each one is like an individual thought. Yet, like most thoughts, they do not and cannot explain the human situation. But they can lead you to suggestions that do. Perhaps a palette of more muted tones might have conveyed his message better.

Margaret Gordon’s figurative drawings are studies of the human form, but they could represent different human emotions. Although these works focus on and celebrate the aesthetic beauty of the human form, I sense a deeper, underlying meaning or intention.

Drawn in charcoal and pastels, the use of colour adds that human emotional dimension. The outlines in charcoal reveal how an experienced artist like Gordon can say so much with just a flick of the hand.

Spanning earthly, philosophical, and human landscapes, this exhibition shows how artists’ responses to the natural world seem to always result in emotionally charged artworks.