Beast in the Storm by Catherine Montigny photography, 30x40 cm

Catherine Montigny

On Reflection

‘I aim to capture moments in time that trigger an emotional response in me. It is very important to me to frame that moment in a way which emphasises the uniqueness of what I see. Generally, I do not digitally edit, reframe or alter in any way what I have captured on camera. Neither do I apply filters leaving colours as unaltered as possible bar any unavoidable changes due to the printing process. My objective is to share with others what I saw in the hope to trigger the same emotional reaction I experienced at the time.’

Hope by Catherine Montigny , photography 38x68cm

Passage by Catherine montigny, photography 38x68cm

Menace by Catherine Montigny, photography 38x68cm

About this exhibition

On Reflection is a photographic exploration of the relationship between beauty, loss, and the natural environment. Through a collection of images captured across Australia, the exhibition reflects both a deep concern for environmental change and a continuing sense of wonder for the landscapes that surround us.

Many photographs were taken in the aftermath of significant weather events, such as the 2021 bushfires and the 2022 flood that impacted the Northern Rivers. Uprooted trees washed up on beaches, damaged landscapes, and the scars left by these events serve as reminders of both the fragility and resilience of our natural environment.

At the same time, this exhibition is not solely about destruction. Water is a recurring element throughout the collection, often acting as a mirror which allows for moments of reflection, stillness, and peace. The photographer finds in these reflective surfaces a place of escape and contemplation, which balance her feelings of distress over environmental damage with her sense of awe over some of the Australian landscapes she has travelled through.

Featuring images from diverse locations, including Northern Territory, Western Australia and the Northern Rivers region, On Reflection invites viewers to pause, reflect, and appreciate both the beauty and vulnerability of the land we share.