Sydney Exhibition

Charlotte Whitby

Opening Event . Wednesday 31 July, 6 – 8pm
Runs . 1 – 11 August, 2024

Radio telescopes and antennas are Charlotte Whitby’s current pursuit. Enamoured by their monumental size and sculptural curves, the artist paints these structures to look enormous and heroic. Using lively brush strokes to build up skies that feel deep, whirling and active — cognisant of the immense activity taking place above us. Planes, sky-trails, birds, insects, clouds, winds, storms and a flood of radio waves that are constantly swirling in our sky and beyond.

These silent giants hear those waves. They’re capturing whispers from space. They even hear the distant past, from unfathomable distances. To Whitby, the telescopes are a powerful symbol of listening. Humans gain understanding, knowledge, and progress through listening. The structures have evolved to become a symbol to the artist, of optimism and desire for a time when global leaders have higher aspirations of peace, and the world unites to pursue expansive wisdom and understanding.

After multiple days of plein air painting at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and the Parkes Observatory, the works have developed further in unison with the artist’s imagination while painting in her studio.

Charlotte Whitby completed her studies in Fine Arts at Washington University and has shown at the Ewart Gallery (Willoughby), Raglan Gallery (Cooma) and Primrose Art Centre (Cremorne) in recent years.

View Charlotte’s website and instagram.