NEAR ENOUGH (IS GOOD ENOUGH) II

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Aaron Butt's recent, highly anticipated exhibition at Side Gallery continues his exploration of how historical documentation shapes ideology, particularly when filtered through the dominant (often white, male) lens that has long framed such narratives.

NEAR ENOUGH (IS GOOD ENOUGH) II revisits Frank Hurley's photographs of Shackleton's 1914 – 1917 Antarctic expedition, interpreting them not as heroic records of survival, but as visual traces of colonial ambition and environmental disregard.

There's a not-so-quiet nod here to the power of Mother Nature. Once seen as documenting a heroic feat of endurance, Hurley's photographs now feel unstable — marked by the early colour technology that distorted them. Aaron leans into that fragility, exaggerating the fading and changing hues of the antiquated photographs, exploiting the faults for our visual delight.

Through hurried swathes of paint, the focal point of the paintings is not portraiture, as was perhaps Hurley's original intent in order to glorify the explorers. The figures have lost detail and seem to fade into the background; the landscape dominates.

Collectively, the result is a body of work that shifts the focus from the intended (conquest) to a considered and narrative-driven approach. NEAR ENOUGH (IS GOOD ENOUGH) II offers a more contemporary way of seeing the landscape—one that resists ownership and takes no prisoners, all shown with a hypercolour glow.

Laura Brinin Curator

About the Curator

Laura Brinin

Laura Brinin is a curator of contemporary art, currently facilitating the vibrant program at Side Gallery in the heart of Red Hill, Brisbane. With an unwavering passion for nurturing connections with emerging and established creatives, Laura is dedicated to fostering artistic growth through avenues such as social media, branding, and identity development.

Laura has exhibited her own work both in Australia and overseas, as well as working as an independent freelance curator across Brisbane for over ten years. In her downtime, you can find her reading, travelling, or stalking dogs.

—   laura@sidegallery.com.au