Aesthetically, artists explore how this very common element can be made precious. Culturally, they evoke the place of water in Australian life. In particular terms, the exhibition aims to highlight the place of Western Australia in our national psyche. Nearly half the artists are from Perth and there are multiple references to the Perth-Kalgoorlie water pipe designed by CY O'Connor. Water Medicine aims to capitalise on the shared experience of the millennium by presenting an exhibition that is accessible on a variety of levels, thus engaging a broad range of visitors.
Reality is suspended for a few minutes between wakefulness and dreams.
To the Australian. Water brings to the surface important elements of our shared experience as Australians. Living in a dry continent gives water a preciousness it may not have elsewhere. Suburban settlement involves harnessing this resource for the cultivation of green lawns. The Western Australian view on this is a useful moment in the celebration of Federation.