Immerse yourself in art inspired by the Murray River

New Zealand-based artist Wesley John Fourie is presenting their exhibition, I WAS ONCE A GREAT LAKE, at the Playspace Gallery in Wodonga.

The exhibition explores themes of distance, geography, history and storytelling through a series of large-scale, colourful, tactile installations.

A highlight of the exhibition is a 1/1000 scale model of the Murray River, crafted entirely through finger knitting. Suspended from the ceiling, the piece stretches across the gallery, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the river's life and history.

Fourie’s journey to becoming an artist began far from Wodonga. Born in Amanzimtoti, South Africa, and raised in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa New Zealand, Wesley moved to Otepoti (Dunedin) as a teenager.

Their entry into the art world wasn't planned but came about organically through the encouragement of artist friends.

"What started my art practice was just hanging around with artist friends and having their encouragement to make something," Fourie said.

Over the years, Fourie’s artistic practice evolved naturally, driven by a fascination with textiles and tactile art forms.

"I like artwork that you can physically engage with in a tactile way," they said.

This passion is evident in their works currently on display at Hyphen, which include hand-stitched cushions that allow viewers to sit or lie down, encouraging a direct, physical connection with the art.

The exhibition was born out of Fourie’s research on the Murray River, Australia’s longest river, and their interest in the communities it supports and the ecosystems that surround it.

"For this show at Hyphen, I have based the works on research conducted on the Murray River, the communities it supports on its banks, and the ecosystems that exist both in and around the river," Fourie said.

The exhibition prominently features wool, a material with deep historical ties to both Australia and New Zealand, highlighting its connection to the landscape and the impact of intensive farming on natural resources.

The centerpiece of the exhibition, the 1/1000 scale model of the Murray River, was a massive undertaking. Using 2508 meters of finger knitting, the installation took over 1200 hours to complete. Fourie describes the work as flowing from the ceiling, cascading down into the gallery space, symbolising the river’s life and movement.

Although Fourie doesn’t have a personal connection to the Murray River, they feel a profound sense of awe and respect for it.

"I was interested in the Murray initially because of its status as a border, which as an artist interested in the idea of thresholds or liminal spaces, it was a natural calling to make this work," they said.

Their time spent in Wodonga has further deepened their appreciation for the river’s cultural significance and its role in sustaining life for both indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Fourie’s determination to showcase their work along the Murray River's course led them to propose the idea to Hyphen several years ago. Though their first attempt was unsuccessful, perseverance paid off and the exhibition has now found its rightful place in Wodonga.

"I knew it would only make sense to present the work somewhere along the river’s course," they said, pleased to see their vision come to life.

I WAS ONCE A GREAT LAKE is now open in Hyphen’s Hallway Gallery until November 17.