Peter Stevens: Yuraygir

This collection of paintings reflects time spent in the tranquil coastal fishing village of Wooli on the NSW North Coast. Nestled amidst the pristine landscapes of Yuraygir National Park, Wooli has provided an endless source of material for Peter Stevens’ work.

During a recent visit to New York, Stevens had the pleasure of immersing himself in the city's vibrant culture, museums, and galleries which prompted him to ponder whether he could create within that dynamic environment as many of his Australian contemporaries have. He quickly realised that his artistic roots are far too closely tied to his coastal home.

In his memoir Island Home, Tim Winton writes, 'This country leans in on you. It weighs down hard. Like family.'

This statement resonated deeply with Stevens. While some may view a connection to a specific locale as narrow or insular in today’s globalised world, much like Australian Indigenous art, which is profoundly tied to country, Stevens’ work is similarly grounded and deeply embedded in a unique sense of place.

Yuraygir is Peter Stevens’ interpretation of landscape and a uniquely personal celebration of his place in the world.