The Paranormal At Penrith Draws Response From Believers
Here's something not many would know - that Sydney's south-west, northern beaches and the Penrith-Blue Mountains region are regarded as 'hot-spots' for UFO sightings.
Those who believe are already convinced, and their numbers might be boosted as a result of an exhibition featuring UFO inspired art at the Penrith Regional Art Gallery The Visitors - The Australian response to UFO's and Aliens. The collection was co-curated by Anne Loxley and Regina Walter who have tapped into not only a rich vein of belief in sightings of UFO's, but also in artistic expression and influence from sources other than just a few re-runs of the X Files.
The exhibition incorporates sculpture, painting (some in 3-D), video, print and installation works as well as an 'evidence room', which is a collation of newspaper, TV and radio reports on the top 30 UFO encounters in Australia with the expert assistance of leading Ufologist Bill Chalker. Some of the collected evidence dates back to the 19th century to present day, and includes a rather compelling front page reports in the Sydney Morning Herald July 20, 1957 with the headline "RAAF jets ready to investigate Katoomba's mystery lights."
Anne Loxely says the evidence room has been a major hook, with people staying for hours examining the detail, and returning for more. She says when planning the exhibition, a clear direction was given. "It was important for us not to appear as zealots, as there is a strong element of faith in this topic. The evidence is being scrutinised by 'straight', seemingly upstanding citizens, who will stay for hours and sometimes return for more."
Beyond the evidence there is the interpretation of the UFO experience of belief, including the works of Pope Alice, who Loxely informs 'believes she is an alien'. Indeed, the exhibition catalogue states she was born in Outer Space in 5252ABCD (but currently based in Brisbane). The artist's work includes alien figures interspersed more earth-bound idols, light, audio and images and with a strong influence from people from indigenous cultures. Other contributing artists are from across Australia.
Adam Norton is inspired by perhaps the best known UFO spot, Roswell, following reports that a flying saucer, and its occupants, was captured in 1947. Norton's Roswell Timeline links events from pre-history to the current day in a large, detailed, linear exhibit that is difficult to ignore.
Other exhibits are more 'down to earth' - or at least they may seem that way. As an eight-year old, artist James de Blass saw a UFO as an eight year old living in Tasmania, and has been influenced ever since as he produces paintings with a strong parallel universe theme. His father's actual interviews on the radio at the time are part of the evidence collection, and his mother attended the exhibition opening. It's the story from a family interested in science, but otherwise, curator Loxley describes as being not unusual, like many of the Visitors visitors. "We've had a phenomenal attendance at this exhibition. Scoffers have stayed away and more open minded have taken the opportunity to look at the evidence and interpretations of what is quite a full on subject. There is at times a real element of faith toward UFO's".
The exhibition runs from December 8, 2007 to February 17, 2008 at the Penrith Regional Art Gallery, 86 River Road Emu Plains. Ufologist Bill Chalker will give a tour, and close the exhibition on Sunday February 17 at 3 pm (5 charge)
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