Staying with the trouble

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, 11 May – 06 July 2024.

Staying with the Trouble is a group exhibition featuring large scale experimental drawings by artists, Linda Dening, Kim Mahood, Sally Simpson, and Wendy Teakel.

The four artists reference the ideas of author Donna Haraway, whose book ‘Staying with the trouble’ asks us to stay with-in, live with-in and be with-in this planet; to take responsibility and action regarding the current crisis of life in our damaged world.

For the artists, what began as common themes around living on the land evolved into considering their drawing practices as ‘staying with the trouble’, where they all encountered the problems of pushing a work too far, losing it, staying with it, abandoning it and recovering it. 

“Initially, the common theme of Staying with the Trouble centred around living on the land and concern for landscape and its conservation, constantly re-considering our positions in the land we love and care for.”

Kim Mahood, 2023. Murdoch Cliffs, Tanami Salt Lake Country, pastel and ink on paper, 150cm x 200cm

“As the project evolved we understood that our drawing practices were a mirror of that process, of constantly re-considering and problem solving. As artists we all encountered the problems of pushing a work too far, losing it, staying with it, abandoning it and recovering it. Drawing is its own form of Staying with the Trouble.”

Sally Simpson, 2023. The Knowledge of Water. Charcoal on drafting film 122 X 91.5 cm

Over the span of a year they met each month to discuss and critique what each of them was aspiring to achieve. The starting point was opening themselves to professional critical conversations about their work in order to extend their methods, concepts and materials – in other words, to get out of their comfort zones.

Being challenged by and trusting each other as artists led each of them through discomfort to experimentation and new approaches to their work. See the outcomes of their experimentation at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, 11 May – 06 July 2024.

About the artists

The four women are established artists, all with careers spanning at least 30 years. Between them, they have taught at major art institutions and won significant art prizes including the Adelaide Perry Drawing Award, the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize, Sculpture at Scenic World and Canberra Critics Circle Award.

Linda Dening
Linda’s teaching career began at TAFE and she now runs a private art school. Linda is the recipient of several art awards including the  Meroogal Women’s Art Award and the Palerang Acquisitive Art award.

Kim Mahood
Kim’s art practice includes extensive collaboration on cross-cultural mapping projects. Grants include the Australia Council, Arts ACT and NT Arts, and her work is held in State, Territory and regional collections. She also writes about art, artists and landscape. She exhibits regularly and is represented by Helen Maxwell. Instagram: @kim.mahood

Sally Simpson
Sally exhibits regularly in NSW, Melbourne and ACT and is represented by Grainger Gallery. Winner of the  Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing and the Meroogal Women’s Art Award, she has been a finalist in most major Australian competitions. Sally Simpson is proudly represented by Grainger Gallery. www.sallysimpson.com.au Instagram: @sallysimpsonart

Wendy Teakel
Wendy exhibits regularly, both nationally and overseas. Her work is held in significant collections including the NGA. She is the recipient of major awards, grants and residencies; including Australia Council and Asialink. Wendy works as a freelance artist and consultant and is represented by Beaver Galleries, ACT.  www.wendyteakel.com Instagram: @teakelwendy