Deep underneath North Head, Middle Head and Sydney’s CBD, two Sydney artists worked in darkness to capture the ‘underlands’ of our city.

Northern Beaches based artist Julia Davis, teamed up with fellow contemporary artist Lisa Jones for this new exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum.

THRESHOLDS: underlands explores what lies beneath the urban spaces of Sydney and Paris.

The drawings from the two cities were created in the dark ‘underlands’ of the two cities. The works were created on paper and clayboard with water and residues from the underground sites.

Seeping water, the movement of air and the earthen pigments of the ground all left an impression on the works, which were left abandoned in nature for short periods to develop.

“We chose North Head as one of our locations because of its unique history, and to further our intimacy with the city’s subterranean world,” Davis and Jones said.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan was captivated by the artworks created underground.

“The artworks are mesmerising, mysterious and unique creations formed underneath Manly’s North Head and Middle Head, which are places of cultural, social and environmental significance,” Mayor Regan.

“Manly Art Gallery & Museum continues to provide fresh and fascinating exhibitions for both locals and visitors to explore.” 

Davis and Jones have been practicing artists since the mid-1990s and have exhibited widely within Australia and overseas. Both artists live and work in Sydney.

THRESHOLDS: underlands is part of their ongoing collaborative series.

It runs from 24 June to 31 July 2022.

For more information and to view the e-catalogue, visit www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/julia-davis-lisa-jones-thresholds-underlands

TALKS AND EVENTS

Exhibition opening
Saturday 25 June, 3–5pm
Exhibition opening by artists Julia Davis and Lisa Jones, and Senior Curator Katherine Roberts.
Free, bookings essential

Artists in conversation
Sunday 24 July, 2–3pm
Join Julia Davis and Lisa Jones in conversation with Rachel Kent, CEO of the Bundanon Trust
Free, bookings essential

Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly
Open Tue – Sun, 10am–5pm (closed Mondays and Public Holidays)
Free entry
www.magam.com.au