In her latest exhibition, Above the Snow Line, Sarah Lynch offers a powerful and intimate portrayal of the snow gums that stand proudly across the High Plains of Victoria’s Alpine National Park. Known for their unique ability to thrive above the snow line, these trees are the only ones capable of enduring the harsh conditions of snow, ice, and high winds. Yet, despite their remarkable resilience, snow gums are increasingly threatened by the devastating effects of drought, bushfires, and the invasive wood-boring insects that are exacerbated by climate change. Through this photographic study, Lynch calls attention to the fragility of these iconic trees and the urgent need for their protection.
The exhibition, which runs from January 17 to February 23, 2025, at the B–CSC Gallery in Bogong Village, is more than a collection of striking images—it is a profound meditation on the relationship between plants, people, and the natural environment. Drawing from her two-year residency at the Bogong Centre for Sound Culture (B–CSC), Lynch has spent significant time documenting snow gums at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek. Her photography reflects a deep connection to the landscape, transforming what could have been a simple botanical study into a compelling narrative about survival, vulnerability, and environmental change.
Lynch’s photographs capture the delicate beauty of the snow gums, which stand twisted and gnarled in the alpine wilderness, their silvery bark a stark contrast against the white expanse of snow. Through her lens, the trees are depicted not just as resilient survivors, but as symbols of ecological vulnerability. The series, in which images are often presented as triptychs, offers a sense of both strength and fragility, highlighting the tension between life and decay. Each image invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the complexities of nature, as well as the fragility of the world around us.
In addition to her artistic practice, Lynch is actively involved in the Save Our Snow Gums initiative, a citizen science project that tracks and monitors the health of snow gums across the Australian Alps. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the environmental threats facing these trees, and Lynch’s work in Above the Snow Line contributes to the broader effort to understand and combat the challenges they face. The photographs in this exhibition act as a visual record of the ongoing ecological crisis, capturing the trees at a pivotal moment in their survival.
Above the Snow Line is a deeply personal exhibition, reflecting Lynch’s long-standing interest in the botanical world and her commitment to environmental advocacy. The works are not simply images of trees—they are a call to action. The snow gums’ resilience is a testament to their enduring strength, yet their current plight underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. Through her art, Lynch offers a visual argument for the protection of these remarkable trees, urging viewers to consider their place in the wider environmental context.
The exhibition, located in the serene surroundings of Bogong Village, offers an immersive experience that allows viewers to engage with the work in an intimate and reflective setting. Visitors can explore the beauty and fragility of Lynch’s photographs while also being reminded of the larger environmental narrative they represent. The opening event on January 18, 2025, will include an “Artists in Conversation” session, where Lynch will share insights into her creative process, the technical aspects of her photography, and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the snow gums’ ecological vulnerability.
Ultimately, Above the Snow Line is more than just an art exhibition. It is a timely reflection on the state of our natural world, urging us to reconsider our relationship with nature and take action before it’s too late. Through Lynch’s lens, the snow gums are not only beautiful and resilient but also increasingly endangered. In capturing their strength and fragility, Lynch compels us to see the urgency of protecting these trees—and the ecosystems they represent—before they, too, are lost to the changing world.
Exhibition Details:
- Dates: January 17 – February 23, 2025
- Gallery Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: B–CSC Gallery, Bogong Village, Victoria
Opening Launch & Artists In Conversation:
- Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Location: B–CSC Gallery, Bogong Village
Source: Bogong Centre for Sound Culture
