Orogenesis: Art Exhibition Exploring MidCoast's Geologic History

Orogenesis - the art of mountain building

Orogenesis (mountain building) is an art exhibition by Dr. Kim Hamilton. This exhibition showcases site-specific artworks that vividly depict the Midcoast region’s prominent rock formations, the dynamic movement of tectonic plates, and the powerful forces of erosion that have shaped our mountains. Experience the intersection of art and science as it tells the story of our ever-changing Earth.

The exhibition will run virtually from September 1 to October 14, with one-day interactive pop-up exhibitions at local libraries and the Manning Regional Art Gallery.

The art-making process for the Orogenesis project involved a multifaceted exploration of geologic themes through various mediums. The journey began with ephemeral motion performances, where small globes were used to represent the dynamic forces shaping mountains, set against the breathtaking backdrops of MidCoast national parks and state forests. These performances captured the transient nature of geologic processes highlighting the interplay between movement and the earth’s formations allowing for a tangible representation of tectonic movements. Complementing this, sand and clay-based sculptures were crafted to embody the textures and forms of mountainous landscapes. The final mix media artworks are a layered collages, combining field work photography, fossil images, motion, sculptural elements, and digital painting to create a visual narrative of geological exploration.

About the Project

Research into geological history and rock ages, utilising maps, scientific papers, and the geoscience mapping tool MinView, guided the creative process. Notably, visual elements such as crosses in the artworks symbolise the geologic practice of analysing rock layers in cross-section, while the vibrant colour palette draws inspiration from geological maps, illustrating the processes that shaped our planet.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, the project not only celebrates the beauty of the landscapes but also engages with the complex narratives of geological change. The art-making process for the Orogenesis project is a vibrant exploration of geology through multiple mediums, blending ephemeral motion, sculpture, photography, and digital technologies.

Map of art making

Orogenesis

Explore site-specific artworks depicting geological history through art and science.

Exhibition Artist

Dr. Kim Hamilton, an interdisciplinary artist, is based on the Mid North Coast. Her passion for art and scientific background seamlessly blend in her creative practice using a range of mediums, including photography, collage, video, electron microscopy and digital technologies. Kim explores the extraordinary, often bizarre, and hidden dimensions of our natural world. Beyond the visible, delving into the hidden complexities of life, finding inspiration from the tiniest particles and processes that shape our world. Her fascination with the microscopic and nature is evident in her artworks that have been exhibited in over 40 international, national, and local art exhibitions and festivals

In her upcoming exhibition on orogenesis, Kim invites viewers to delve into the complexities of geologic processes that shape our landscapes. Her work drawing inspiration from the dynamic processes of the earth’s formation and mountain building.

This project is supported by the MidCoast Arts Support Program, a MidCoast Council initiative assisting the creative industry sector.

Contact Us

For inquiries about the exhibition or artwork contact us