• Art exhibition Traces questions history since colonisation through the story of fires in the Gippsland region of Victoria
• Traces is part of PhD study by Ms Louisa Waters with Charles Sturt University

In an art exhibition that questions history, artist and Charles Sturt University PhD student explores the transformation of the Gippsland landscape since colonisation through stories of fire.

Traces: Fires in Gippsland is the work of Ms Louisa Waters who is based in Briagolong in Gippsland near the Victorian coastline.

Drawing on archival, scientific and traditional knowledge to inform her creative work, Ms Waters explored the ways in which stories around fire have historically affected and changed the Gippsland landscape.

“People who inhabit Gippsland today have a conflicted relationship with fire,” Ms Waters said.

“The social and ecological impact of fire is one of the most significant elements in discussions about the landscape.

“Fire ignites our landscape but also our imaginations and our languages.”

Ms Waters’ artwork researches forgotten histories related to the Gippsland region in Victoria, where she has lived most of her life.

“Looking at the space where history and landscape intersect, Waters explores historical and cultural legacies, as a means of developing different understandings of how people live in these spaces today,” said Dr Jennifer Munday, a Senior Lecturer with the CSU School of Education, based in Albury-Wodonga, and Ms Waters’ supervisor.

The exhibition Traces: Fires in Gippsland has mixed media works which include photography, drawing, video and artist books. It is on show until Friday 5 April at the Gallop Gallery, Building 21, at CSU in Wagga Wagga.