Stuart Spence

"It seems that we are somehow intellectually and excitedly enthusiastic about a spiritual connection with the East. Many people embark on the journey to Asia and India to FIND this spiritual place. The east coast of Australia itself is littered with palm side pools that emulate some sense of somewhere else. The Gold coast is of course the prominent example. We seem to search away from our own land and ancient culture and revel in the spirit of somewhere else. The photograph inspired an idea of denial and ego driven sadness. Of someone who had confidently proclaimed a spiritual path but who in the end would settle for the fraud of the east; the pool, the palms, concrete and chlorine. Still so far from the red dirt that could save them..."