Historical information

Tadich spends time observing night time phenomena, the light from the moon, street lights and other sources; atmospheric states, fog and dampness and the nature of surfaces, vegetation, road, vehicles and buildings. She uses photographs and sketches before settling on the final idea for a work.

Significance

This painting is typical of Tadich's recent work. She continues her exploration of the Australian landscape (most often the local, Nillumbik Shire). It is 'a dramatic interplay between narrative, landscape and the binaries of light/dark and the known/unknown of local landscape. The swathes of darkness within the work(s) pose questions about our inscribed fears and tensions, both cultural and existential'. (catalogue, 'Silent Space' Ex. 2006)
Tadich's early experiences of fireworks, simple fireworks and bonfire in the surrounding bush of her outer Melbourne home, caught her imagination. She was inspired to investigate the issues surrounding nights in the bush.
In this painting the narrative is ambiguous, the pinpricks of light, in this case from the car headlights provide a critical element. We can distinguish familiar features, a road, trees and a car that suggest human presence. However, what is going on is unclear. The resulting tension can leave us unsure, unsettled and anxious.

Physical description

Oil on canvas