(2025)
Watercolour on Paper
The existence of a population of panthers roaming the Australian bush is a centuries old piece of folklore akin to that of the illusive bigfoot. Yet it may very well have grounds in reality; with over five hundred sightings over the past twenty years between the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Gippsland and even the Southern Highlands regions. Theories of their origins range from daring escapes from travelling circuses of the 1890’s, being released by U.S soldiers during World War II; and even quite plausible rumours of a big cat, black market trade throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mystery is discussed with exhilaration and a healthy dash of fear as witnesses recount their sightings, encounters and near misses.
But is it even possible that such a creature could adapt to survive the Australian condition? To thrive in a landscape completely unfamiliar to them? To make a comfortable life for themselves, despite the retaliation from native flora and fauna?
Stranger things have happened…
With the panther’s ability to make a home in rainforest, grassland, desert and swamp, it may not be all that far-fetched. Their large build and carnivore diet would guarantee them a rapid climb to the top of the food chain, and ample opportunity to wreak havoc on any creatures great and small who happen to cross their path, including the odd bushwalker here and there.
No matter your belief in such a creature, lurking in the local bush, we can surely all agree that the very air of mystery it commands is enough to spark intrigue amongst mates and conspiracy theorists alike. Forever to remain a majestic local legend passed down through the ages, with the odd scattering of grainy footage in between.
Uproot was exhibited as part of the Southern Highlands Artisans Collective, Works on Paper Prize (January 2025)
