Stand Here

‘Stand Here’ investigates the human experience of global disruption – and what sustains us in isolation, in uncertain, dark and strange times.

‘Stand Here’ investigates the human experience of global disruption – and what sustains us in dark and strange times. The wording on labels stuck to the ground during the pandemic, intended to keep people separated and at a safe distance, ‘Stand Here’ is a directive. It is a reminder of the limits of our individual agency, mobility and free will. But, when the ground beneath us rapidly shifts, borders suddenly close, we are shut off from what we know, and our primal instinct is to freeze, fight or take flight, these words can, conversely, represent a calming anchor.  Stranded in archipelagic formations – be they physical, economic, social or psychological – isolation can force profound insight and reflection upon our real, enduring human needs, both individual and collective. 

The series reflects upon the state of the world from the vantage point of suburban Narrabundah, Canberra – Ngunnawal country. This body of work – commenced in 2020 – reflects my attempt to make sense of the human experience of mass disruption, isolation and disconnection. Through observation, exploration and the testing of ideas, this work reflects my curiosity and desire to capture the feeling of living in these times, in a suspended state of heightened risk. In 2026, as we again observe risks manifesting, and feel waves of global uncertainty building, ‘Stand Here’ invites us to pause and find glimpses of wisdom and hope amidst the existential fear, chaos and strangeness.