WHEN : Until 24th March
WHERE : Queensland Centre of Photography
Everest House is a remnant of the British Empire and is a building of architectural significance and historical importance given that Sir Everest lived here while completing the Great Trigonometric Survey of India. The survey encompassed mapping the meridian arc from the south of India extending north to Nepal, a distance of approximately 2,400 kilometers. The house is perched on the top of a hill overlooking the Doon Valley on one side and and a panoramic view of the Aglar river valley and snow bound Himalayan ranges on the other.
Moving through the house with its crumbling white walls and stone pillars, the atmosphere is more like a temple, reflecting back to me my journey in the later years of life where we are faced with our shadow. For many this is examined through exploring Eastern philosophies and religion. Moving away from a preoccupation with Self and Other I am lead to concerns about the fragility of life, a reflection of my deep interest in the East.
In India conservation is a growing concern, historic buildings holding architectural achievements and information have been left to degrade with the materials being used for roads, walls and salvaged by the poor to make homes. If respect is lacking from government then this is reflected in society.
Just as we find graffiti common place in Western culture so these images, taken in Utterakhand Northern India, become a mirror, a sign of discontent about personal and global dilemmas, depicting concerns about conservation, not just of architecture, objects and memories, but that of life and peace.
The Indian government has recognised that to move into a first world order, mirroring current successful conservation and environmental trends can only benefit and as India looks to the West for solutions to its modern problems, the West continues to crave the mysticism of the East.
For more information, please visit Athene’s website
Image : Athene Currie ‘Everest House #102’ 2010 – Digital Laser Print from 35 mm black and white negative
Text : QCP, 2013
