Black Summer Fires: “Burnt into Memory” Exhibition Opens in Hawkesbury

The Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020 left an indelible mark on Australia, a period of intense crisis that deeply affected communities across the nation. The Hawkesbury region holds a particularly poignant place in this history, having been the heart of the colossal Gospers Mountain fire.

This unprecedented blaze stretched across vast landscapes, reaching from the Hawkesbury to distant areas like Lithgow, the Hunter Valley, and even parts of the Blue Mountains, consuming millions of acres.

In a powerful act of remembrance and reflection, the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery is preparing to unveil a significant exhibition titled “Burnt into Memory.” This exhibition, three years in the making, delves into the profound and multifaceted impact of these devastating fires on individuals and their communities.

At its core, “Burnt into Memory” explores themes of reflection, healing, resilience, and the process of renewal in the aftermath of such a traumatic event. Through a diverse collection of creative expressions, the exhibition seeks to examine personal stories of loss and recovery, the collective trauma experienced by communities, the complex discourse surrounding climate science, the crucial importance of caring for the land, and the enduring beauty that persists in the natural world.

The exhibition will feature the works of 14 artists who have a connection to the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions, as well as those from further afield. Their contributions, created both in the immediate wake of the fires and in more recent times, offer a range of perspectives on this shared experience.

Visitors will encounter striking photographic works from artists like Freya Jobbins and Katherine Boland, monumental sculptural pieces by Wona Bae and Charlie Lawler, dynamic works on paper from Jody Graham and Gary Shinfield, and deeply evocative paintings by artists such as Laura Jones and Dharug artist Leanne Tobin, among other compelling creators.

A central piece of “Burnt into Memory” is “Dancing with the Devil,” a newly commissioned film by Hawkesbury City Council. This film, made possible through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, was crafted by award-winning film journalists Sarah Allely and Bill Code of Wedgetail Pictures. It intimately follows the journey of local communities as they grappled with the impact of the Gospers Mountain fire.

Described as compassionate, often humorous, and ultimately hopeful, “Dancing with the Devil” serves as a vital platform for the voices and experiences of those who were directly affected. Since 2022, the Arts and Culture team at Hawkesbury City Council has collaborated closely with Allely and Code, engaging with residents from Bilpin, Colo Heights, St Albans, and Mount Victoria.

This partnership involved understanding their personal accounts, recording their oral histories, and preserving their stories through the medium of film. The documentary has already been shared with these communities through a series of special screenings in late 2024 and early 2025, underscoring its significance within the “Burnt into Memory” exhibition.

Beyond the gallery space, “Burnt into Memory” extends its reach through a specially designed education program for Stage 3 students (Years 5 – 6). Developed in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute, this program is thoughtfully tailored for the Hawkesbury community, emphasizing healing through creative expression. The program can be delivered both within the exhibition itself and independently by the Gallery’s experienced art educators.

“Burnt into Memory” will be open to the public at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from Saturday, June 7th, to Sunday, August 17th, 2025. A community opening event, providing an opportunity to connect with the themes and artists involved, will be held on Friday, June 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Further details regarding the full schedule of public programs that will accompany the exhibition are anticipated to be announced in early May. This exhibition promises to be a moving and important exploration of a pivotal moment in Australia’s recent history.