Indelible Antarctica

For most, Antarctica is a far off, distant place. Almost fantastic in its remote, unique and extreme characteristics, imaginative leaps are required to understand and perceive its otherworldliness. Researchers from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania have particularly strong ties to the icy continent and its surrounding oceans. IMAS conducts world-leading research across a broad range of disciplines from the Applied and Social Sciences to Law & Governance, the Arts & Humanities.

This exhibition documents personal encounters by some of the lucky few: researchers who have had the opportunity to not only imagine and dream of Antarctica, but also enter into its frigid grip. The images reveal personal experiences and interactions with an environment few others will ever encounter first-hand. This first-hand encounter is what sets these images apart as they speak of much more than just pretty pictures or awe inspiring landscapes. The views are beautiful and breathtaking none the less, but these photographs more importantly hint at a reciprocal exchange: where environment is impressed upon the individual as much as the impacts and evidence of human presence is impressed upon the continent—a delicate push and pull.

Despite Antarctica’s geographical and psychological distance, the continent is indeed connected to the rest of the globe. Its influence over our weather systems is just one example of the nature of the relationship which is fragile and tenuous. These images go some way to revealing the complexity of human connection with the Antarctic landscape. A connection that is often measured, sampled, tested and recorded. But, one that is also seen and sensed. Through these researchers’ eyes we are able to glimpse much more than the grandeur. We can see further, into the interior of the continent as a physical environment and psychological space that reaches back out to us and leaves its mark, just as we are indelibly leaving the trace of our presence there.