DANELLE BERGSTROM – Water spirit I

DANELLE BERGSTROM
Water spirit I
oil on linen
61 x 61 cm

Danelle Bergstrom creates wildly evocative landscapes that pictorialise the artist’s lived experiences, personifying the land as a vessel for emotion. Autobiographical expressions of recent experiences in Hill End, Australia, and Åland, Finland, her meditative and transformative paintings invoke a broad emotional and psychological exploration of environment, functioning as revised narratives – tangible footprints along well-trodden roads winding through the artist’s memory.

Bergstrom has been the recipient of major residencies in Åland, Finland (2017), Konstepidemin, Gothenburg, Sweden (2016, 2011), Northern Territory Supreme Court, Darwin (2008) and Cill Rialaig, in Sweden, Paris and Ireland (2007). She has been a finalist in numerous prestigious prizes including the Archibald Prize (2016, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1998, 1995), Portia Geach Memorial Award (2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1993), Paddington Art Prize (2007), Salon des Refusés (2011, 2005), and received the Archibald Packing Room Prize (2007, 1995), People’s Choice Award, Portia Geach Memorial Award (2013, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005), People’s Choice Award, Salon des Refusés (2011, 2009). Bergstrom has painted over twenty public commissions and her work is held in many important collections including the National Portrait Gallery and National Library in Canberra, The Australian Club, Sydney District Court, Charles Darwin University, Adelaide Justice Department, University of Technology Sydney, Adelaide University, Northern Territory Justice Department and Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Danelle Bergstrom has chosen to donate 100% of the proceeds from this work to NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) has been rescuing and caring for wildlife for over 30 years and is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia. In WIRES history they have never seen a concurrent series of emergencies events like those that began in November. Hundreds of fires over weeks have burnt over 4.9 million hectares of land in NSW alone. Many animals were already struggling with a lack of water and food due to the drought. With the fires destroying unprecedented amounts of habitat, food shortages have increased and lack of suitable habitat will be a significant long-term challenge for surviving wildlife.

To find out more or to make a donation please click here.