Artist Dr Debbie Symons' new body of work, Archive, reflects on her childhood experience growing up in the 'wilds' of The Cape and its surroundings. Each work reminisces on past chance encounters with native wildlife and, in turn, meditates on the silence of the remaining wild spaces today. The six portraits in the Archive are photographs of intimate oil-on-linen paintings featuring taxidermied Victorian species housed in the Melbourne Museum's collection. Some of these species were once locals, and the artist memorialises and observes their unique characteristics and features in the works. Similar to early colonial representations of Australian fauna, however, the disguise of flora isn't present in Symons' works, and the taxidermed mounts remain in the pictorial space. Thankfully, many species featured in the Archive thrive in specialised breeding and recovery programs. Some may return to their 'wild' homes in the future, and their presence will once again fill us with curiosity and wonder. Exhibition on between 3rd December to 19th March (new end date). Open to the public 24/7. Western Lane, The Union Theatre, Wonthaggi. 96 Graham St, Wonthaggi VIC 3995. Image credit: Debbie Symons, Melbourne Museum C2790, 2024, oil on linen.