Exhibitions Gina Kalabishis Les Chemins du Dēsir: Pathways of Desire 17th June 2025 - 5th July 2025

Gina Kalabishis’ practice pays direct homage to the beauty of Australia’s native flora and fauna. Finding inspiration in both her regular walks through the unruly, thick bushland of our national parks, as well as from her everyday encounters with unassuming plants and animals within her local Merri Creek backyard in Melbourne, Kalabishis’ delicate paintings and drawings lovingly replicate the earthy, wondrous textures of nature.

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'Gaston Bachelard, the French scientist, poet, and philosopher, coined the term Les Chemins du Désir (Pathways of Desire). He described them as paths “created by usage,” where travellers take the most direct route from point A to point B.

In these works, my desire paths express the impact of human-driven decision-making—our need to act swiftly to save our fragile, shifting ecosystems.

This new body of work explores two parallel themes: the human desire lines within our personal lives and the global choices we make for our future. Unlike a fork in the road, where a decision must be made, these paths reflect choices already taken—one leading in a certain direction, another diverging elsewhere.

These paintings serve as a visual call to act swiftly. The vulnerability of our birds, the imminent arrival of H5N1 avian flu to our shores, and the destruction and erosion of their key habitats form a path we must navigate without hesitation.

Portrayed with unspoken signs of distress, these birds signal their need for assistance and protection from extinction. Their once-clear flight paths are now damaged, fading memories within the sombre, desaturated Australian landscape.'
Artist Statement 2025

GINA KALABISHIS PROFILE
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Gina Kalabishis
The Arrival (detail) 2025

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