About the project in Broken Hill

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James Farley commenced a body of photographs exploring the complex relationship between society, industry and the environment while he was artist in residence at the Broken Hill Art Exchange. Broken Hill was the ideal place for this type of research for two reasons, its long and rich history of mineral mining, and also its geographical location in relation to Australia’s climate. Recent reports suggest that the Australian climate will be one of the first and most severely affected by anthropogenic climate change.  This means that situations like such as the dwindling water supply in Broken Hill may become more common throughout isolated and semi-arid regions. Trying to understand how this situation is affecting the community in many different ways has been of particular interest to Jame’s project. Through various photographic processes James challenge the way we use and think about creative arts as a tool for revealing and discussing the complex issues surrounding the different relationships and values attributed to place and the environment. 

 

James Farley was awarded the inaugural Young Regional Artist Scholarship (YRAS) in 2015. The scholarship supports young artists and arts and cultural workers from regional NSW between 18-25 years old to undertake a self-directed professional development program or project in any artform. (http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/news-and-publications/news/experimental-photography-and-environmental-themes-arts-nsw-supports-regional-artist-development/). With this support from Arts NSW James conducted Artist talks and workshops with students at Eagle Arts Eagle Arts Vocational College and the Broken Hill community. At the Workshops participants made Sun Prints on paper and material and the community was given the opportunity to also display their work. During his residency James also undertook Field work and held an Exhibition of his new work at STUDIO 3 Gallery at the Broken Hill Art Exchange. James Farley is an artist and research student, based in Wagga Wagga, NSW. His interests include landscape, ecology and exploring the complexities of environmental issues through photography.  James is currently working towards a PhD at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. His research focuses on ecology, climate change and aesthetics within contemporary landscape photography.