Tim Palman, Wellard (Documentary/Photojournalism (ATEP 2017))

“Wellard” is an enquiry into the nature of the Australian Dream in the year 2017. The series looks at the Private Estate as a concept, identifying it as a manifestation of our culturally rooted desire for security and exclusivity which inevitably leads to separation and isolation. Consequently these estates provide a fertile ground to examine the modern human condition and the emptiness that eventuates from a loss of community. This subject of this body of work is the West Australian suburb of Wellard, of which I am a new resident. As such it is autobiographical, documenting my relationship with Wellard and my struggle between a desire for both security and freedom. The work acts a document not only of the suburb itself but my personal disenchantment with what it represents. Shot on large format and medium format colour film, my practice was restricted by the inherent characteristics of the mediums. I was forced to slow down, and become more of a passive observer rather than interact with the landscape. This style of working was one which contributed to the sense of disconnection I felt with the Private Estate as both a concept and a physical location. Wellard contributes to a discourse about modern Australia and the ways in which we inhabit and domesticate space. This series investigates new frontiers and Australia’s emerging identity by exposing the ways we relate to and mould our environment.

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