Stunning wilderness locations provide the backdrop to the exhibition, the product of the Arts in Parks residency program that provides an opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in the wild places of Tasmania. 

Raging oceans and howling winds didn’t put Tasmanian artists Nicole O’Loughlin and partner Peter Maarseveen off when they undertook an Arts in Parks residency on Maatsuyker Island in summer 2013/14.

Primarily a printmaker, for the residency Ms O’Loughlin focussed on watercolour painting, exploring the small details of the island. 

“The island holds so much life and so much is going on even though it's this really small little eco system in the middle of the southern ocean,” she said. 

“To look at the finer details and to study things at close detail ... you can see the pattern, all these patterns within something that otherwise people might pass by, so looking at the beauty in the really small details that you can find in nature.”

She said the value of being in such an environment was immeasurable. 

“It’s something that is still influencing my work now and it’s nearly three years on. It changes how you think about the Tasmanian landscape,” Ms O’Loughlin said. 

Ms O’Loughlin’s work is displayed on Bruny Island. There are installations from 16 artists at Cradle Mountain, Lake Saint Clair, Bruny Island and Maria Island.