This series of paintings began from a remark made by one of the guides from the Arkaroola village whilst painting at the Pinnacles. He reminded us that in ancient times water was flowing around the Pinnacles. From that moment my view of the arid landscape changed and I began to imagine water in the various areas of the Flinder’s Rangers we visited. I initially wanted to call this series ‘When there was water.’ However, as my subject matter changed so did the title.
‘Face of the Waters’ refers to the surface of the primordial, chaotic deep in the Genesis creation account.
‘And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.’ Genesis 1:2
Before shape, before language, before the certainty of land and sky, there was water.
Even in the most arid places of our continent there was once water.
‘Face of the Waters’ moves between simple observation, reflection, surface and depth. Water is all around us, within us, in the air. The “face” is where light gathers, colours mix and people gather.
These works invite the viewer to pause: to look into the shifting face of the waters and watch something fresh always taking place whether it be on or under the surface or in the air above. The face of the water is multi-faceted and ever changing.
In these paintings, I want to acknowledge the first peoples of this land and pay respect to their elders and emerging leaders. It’s hard to be in this ancient land and seascape without hearing their voice, sensing their presence and connecting with their dreaming.
Artist Gordon Lingard has been exhibiting at The Hive since 2024. ‘Face of the Waters’ is his second solo after the successful ‘Totem’ in 2025. He has previously exhibited at Geelong’s Boom Gallery.
