In 1903, the privately-funded Oracle Expedition, arrived in the Antarctic peninsula to investigate mining opportunities. Six months later, when the expedition ship returned to collect the explorers, they found no one.
Everything was left as though the expeditioneers might return at any moment; but it was clear that the outpost had been deserted for months. No messages were left, and no trace of these men has been found since. They inexplicably vanished into the expanse of Antarctica.
Over a century later, artist Rebecca Gleeson became fascinated with this failed expedition. Its unresolved nature, and continued obscurity, captured their imagination. This presentation is made up of a series of prints, alongside found objects; focused on the expedition and its disappearance. Prints were done using slow time-consuming methods and by courting chance; reflecting how explorers would have recorded an unknown continent; by pushing forward and working with what presented itself.
Untitled. Monoprint, 105 x 149cm
Photo of the entire space
Close up on monoprint
Glass case
Close up on glass case
Close up on items in glass case
Mezzotints
Ski-stick. Mezzotint, 15 x 3.5cm
Primus. Mezzotint, 5 x 5cm
Compass. Mezzotint, 10 x 5cm