Affectionately termed The Rainbow Region, the Northern Rivers is known for its alternate, open and colourful lifestyle, which has been shaped, by the dogmas, dreams and environmental responsibilities of its kinfolk. A melting pot of inspirations, philosophies and cultures the region attracts people from those seeking a new alternative lifestyle to those on a deeper, spiritual new age quest.
This body of work documents the outward manifestations of this communityās identity through exploring the various rituals and events that connect its people, and its people to place. These happenings create a shared vision, a sense of belonging and a communal feeling of love, symbolism and meaning.
Included in this exhibition are images from events, such as:
The Channon Market drumming circle
V-Day naked swim
Byron Naked Bike Ride
Mullumbimby Music festival
Boomerang Festival
Camp Liberty of Bentley Blockade
Spirit Festival
Surfing Community
Nimbin Mardi Grass
Natalie Grono is an Australian photo artist based in Northern NSW. Her work explores the sacredness, vulnerability and rituals of childhood by documenting the events, landscapes and rites of passage that allow children to unite and find corresponding purpose and symbolism. Exploring moments that give birth to a fragment of the childās identity, Natalieās works observes a world of fantasy and drama, ephemeral moments engaged in a dance between light and shadow.
Natalie has a BA degree in Communications and her photography work blends a foundation in journalism with a strong aesthetic appeal, Natalieās works have been exhibited in many of Australiaās top Photography Prizes. Natalie has received numerous awards including winning both the 2015 Olive Cotton Award for photographic portraiture and 2015 Peoples Choice Award of the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Her work has been widely exhibited and published both nationally and internationally and is held in public and private collections.
