‘This exhibition brings together two ideas, one relating to the Qigong practice of the five animal frolics, and the second of rock drawings from the summit of Kunyani, or Mt Wellington, in Hobart.
Though seemingly different these ideas share concepts relating to spirit, transformation, change, balance and counterbalance, strength, weight, and time.
Qigong translates as ‘life energy’ and comprises a diverse set of practices that coordinate the body, breath and mind based on Chinese philosophy.
I started learning Qigong in 2017 and continue the practice. One year earlier, I embarked on a quest to draw rocks on the summit of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington. I went with my friend and fellow artist Sue Lovegrove on my first drawing trip and we took paper, inks and charcoal to the summit. We walked until we found rocks we wanted to draw. Then I continued the drawing trips on my own. I chose to draw rocks which had almost human and animal like qualities and tracings of journeys.
To me the rock drawings are portraits and testaments to time and the forces and energy in nature. The rocks rely on each other for stability. They are also integral to the Palawa people. Some rocks are balanced precariously, others are wedged or weighted, counterbalanced next to a mass which gives support. They have been altered, thrown, butted against other rocks, appearing unmoving but have moved and continue to change.’
– Barbie Kjar, 2021
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