by Carla Caruso
You would’ve seen them in your Adelaide Park Lands – the unpaved paths, or ‘desire lines’, made over time as people take shortcuts across the landscape, as opposed to walking a paved path.
A ‘desire line’ cutting a corner off the paved pathway in Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27).
Sometimes these naturally chosen paths cut through sensitive habitats, and at other times, they are used to guide the routing of new, purpose-built ones.
Adelaide artist and curator Sarah Northcott recently helped to organise a group art exhibition, revolving around the topic, dubbed Desire Lines.
While the exhibition at Port Noarlunga’s Sauerbier House had to close early this month, due to unforeseen building maintenance needed, you can view some of the works via the Instagram page, Desire Lines Exhibition.
Sarah has also enjoyed documenting desire lines, as she finds them, online and inviting others to send in their photos. Recently, we chatted to her.
Artist and curator Sarah Northcott.
Hi, Sarah. Please tell us about how the idea for your Desire Lines SALA exhibition came about. And why do you think people find it hard to stick to the official paths?
‘Desire lines’ is a term borrowed from urban planning. It’s a name for the informal paths that form over time from the erosion of the feet of walkers bypassing existing footpaths.
I thought it was a beautiful name for a mark on the landscape that is essentially a record of people moving from place to place.
Actions are expressions of desires. The desire to walk a path outside of ‘official’ paths is sometimes in response to structures that are restrictive or take us along paths that don’t go where we want them to.
The unofficial path might be more scenic and beautiful. On the other hand, it might be the more expedient one.
A desire line in Red Gum Park / Karrawirra (Park 12), captured by Sarah Northcott.
Which artists were involved in the exhibition and how diverse were the mediums?
The exhibiting artists were Jingwei Bu, Gus Clutterbuck, Sam Howie, Heidi Kenyon, and Georgina Willoughby.
The mediums used spanned mixed media drawing, ceramics, painting, installation with sound, and printmaking.
‘Meander’ artwork by Gus Clutterbuck at the exhibition.
Where do you like to go off-track in the Adelaide Park Lands and why?
My cycling route occasionally takes me off the official path to reach my destination more efficiently. It is nice to go off-track in a more meandering way too.
Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1), including the weir, are great to walk and almost unexpectedly find yourself in nature in the middle of the city.
‘Life Maps’ artwork by Jingwei Bu at the exhibition.
Have you ever entered our Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize?
Yes! I was fortunate to have been selected as a finalist this year with my painting of Park 27 / Tulya Wardli [Bonython Park].
Sarah’s painting, which was a finalist in this year’s Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize.
Do you combine your art with other work? What else keeps you busy?
I also work in arts administration, so I combine my art and curatorial practice with yet more art!
Outside of art, I am busy as a parent, and I enjoy taking my children on walks in nature, cycling in the Park Lands, and hitting the farmers’ market on the weekend and the beach.
A ‘desire line’ made by walkers in Park 27, on their way to/from the Royal Adelaide Hospital, photographed by Georgina Willoughby.
Banner image in Adelaide Botanic Garden (Park 11), care of Sarah Northcott.
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