A Review of Rod Gardner’s ‘Limilinaturi: Visions of a Palawa

At the paranaple arts centre, “Limilinaturi: Visions of a Palawa” captures the audience with Rod Gardner’s luminous watercolours that pay homage to Devonport’s maritime soul. Among the works, two stand out for their evocative portrayal of the city’s essence.

One painting draws the eye with its vivid depiction of the Julie Burgess, a historic ketch that embodies Devonport’s seafaring heritage, as it sails the Mersey River. Gardner’s brushwork brings the vessel to life with a palpable sense of movement and grace, the water beneath it a mirror to the changing skies above, tying the boat’s legacy to the ebb and flow of the city’s lifeblood.

Contrasting the tranquility of the river, another piece offers a snapshot of Devonport’s urban vitality. This cityscape is imbued with the day’s fleeting light and shadow, capturing a moment in time on a bustling street that pulses with the rhythms of daily commerce and pedestrian dance. It is a testament to the city’s dynamism, as integral to Devonport’s identity as the waterways that embrace its shores.

The entire exhibition is a testament to the artist’s deep engagement with his environment. Gardner’s collection showcases a series of moments that, while distinct, weave together to form a cohesive narrative of Devonport’s landscape. The majority of the scenes, with their focus on the Mersey River, reflect the ever-present influence of this watercourse on the city, its residents, and its visitors.

Through “Limilinaturi: Visions of a Palawa,” Gardner invites viewers to traverse the city’s maritime history and its contemporary urban character. The exhibition stands as a profound reminder of the beauty in our everyday surroundings and the stories that flow through the places we inhabit. It’s a remarkable visual journey that offers both residents and visitors a chance to see Devonport through the nuanced and affectionate perspective of an artist’s eye.