RIPARIAN LIFE: A visual navigation of the Hunter River Estuary

PhD Exegesis Abstract:

The Hunter River Estuary is defined as the intertidal zone of river that stretches from the Newcastle delta to the Oakhampton floodplains at Maitland Vale in New South Wales.

 

This research of the Hunter River Estuary is unique in its integration of both objective and subjective research that crosses disciplines. In her exegesis Julianne outlines the rich environmental history and science of the river, the dynamic nature of this riparian corridor and how it has changed from pre-colonial and colonial antecedents. There has been no previous research that visually documents the dynamic nature of the estuary or that investigates this riparian environment in a creative exchange across empirical known and subjective unknown components of research. Julianne's research paper outlines the interconnections between the Philosophy, Science and Art of the Hunter River. Her photo-media, paintings and drawings capture the essence of the river and her intimate connection with it.

​

This interdisciplinary study provides an account of the dynamic river ecology, natural history, indigenous life, altered geomorphology, and the philosophies that underpin our interpretation of the riparian landscape. Julianne unveils the network of relevant theories that enliven a new way of viewing the river, shifting beyond traditional disciplinary models of research. Fresh perceptions of the river emerge with creative arts praxis and practical encounters of being in and moving through this specific riparian landscape.

​

The liminal nature of the riparian environment is experienced from within and upon the river, across times and tides. In spite of the specificity of observed riparian sites, the contents often transcend the known and become windows into subliminal unknowns.  Julianne has addressed these issues throughout her exegesis paper and through contemporary visual art. Art is able to cross disciplines, bring things forward, raise concerns and initiate new ways to think about and respond to some of the complexities of nature and being.

​

Julianne puts forward a liminal dynamic position where the objective and subjective are not opposed, as the qualities of both are realized and interwoven. This non-linear approach is most attuned to the riparian environment and is uninhibited by disciplines or linear knowledge hierarchies, as the unknown is embraced along with the known and multiple components of knowledge co-emerge synchronously. Research outcomes provide a visual navigation of the dynamic nature of the Hunter River Estuary.