The Four Invitations of Syzygium Moorei is a series of paintings by local artist Dean Power, revering the Coolamon Tree (Syzygium Moorei) and its divine feminine presence in Byron Bay landscape.
Despite being an iconic species with a natural range from Mudgeeraba to Richmond River,very few locals know The Coolamon Tree well, or would be aware that the Coolamon Tree is listed as vulnerable under the federal EPBC act. Perhaps even fewer have seen it flowering.
When it does flower, the Coolamon Tree, (also known by the names Rose Apple, Robby, Durobby, Watermelon Tree, Coolamon Rose Apple) is a heavenly reminder of the beauty and wonder of this world and particularly of the country around Byron Bay.
The artist throws down a challenge "I defy anyone who has seen a Coolamon flowering to find a more feminine tree on the planet".
The work invites viewers to consider the influence the landscape and the tree has for those visiting or living the Byron Bay region. "We as humans tend to try to seperate ourselves from nature, to see ourselves as something different. Living in this powerful landscape comes with its own challenges and opportunities. However, it seems entirely possible the Coolamon may inspire us all to live and be here elegantly."
BIO
Dean Power is an Australian landscape artist whose work deals with the metaphysical and lyrical aspects of nature and the country he works on.
“My supreme blessing in life was to grow up on the banks of a river, quite literally. I didn’t attend school until I was 12, so my days were spent in the river, unconsciously developing a deep respect for our connection with nature.”
A self-taught artist Dean has received a number of public art commissions and exhibited in Brisbane, Gladstone, Monto and Emerald Regional Gallery. Dean's work has been hung in the Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards and has won several art prizes at regional shows.