Mick Lord Ancient Landscapes

Mick Lord Ancient Landscapes reflects on the enduring presence of the Australian landscape and the deep cultural histories held within it. The titles draw on Indigenous words used to describe the country where the photographs were made. In doing so, the series acknowledges connections to place that reach far beyond recorded history.

Rather than treating trees as simple subjects, Mick responds to the memories and associations they awaken. Twisted trunks, weathered bark and ancient forms take on a symbolic presence. Their shapes suggest stories, myths and histories that seem older than human memory. As a result, the landscape appears active and enduring rather than fixed or silent.

Traditional Platinum Palladium Photography

Mick prints each photograph by hand using the historic platinum palladium process. He works on handmade Japanese paper from Tosa, now part of Kōchi Prefecture. Papermakers produce this paper from long plant fibres, including kozo, or paper mulberry. The finished sheets are strong, flexible and slightly translucent, with a distinctive textured surface.

To make each print, Mick coats the paper with a light-sensitive solution containing palladium and gold chloride. He then exposes and develops the image by hand. Because of this process, every print has its own subtle tonal character and surface variation.

Platinum palladium printing offers a wide tonal range, excellent permanence and strong archival qualities. When combined with Tosa paper, it creates a depth and tactile presence that differs from modern machine-made printing.

A Handcrafted Response to Place

Through Mick Lord Ancient Landscapes, photographic craft becomes part of the meaning of the work. The handmade paper, precious metals and slow printing process echo the age and material presence of the landscape itself.

For Mick, making the print is inseparable from making the photograph. He completes every stage by hand, from coating the paper to producing the final image. This approach brings together traditional photographic practice and a personal response to place. Ultimately, the series invites viewers to reflect on history, memory and the enduring life of the Australian landscape.

CREDITS

Artist
Mick Lord

Exhibition
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES, Group exhibition, Maud Gallery 2026

Medium
Palladium and gold print on Tosa Hakkinshi, a traditional Japanese handmade paper from Kōchi Prefecture.
Dimensions 400 x 500 mm
$400 Framed

Enquiries
For purchase enquiries, please contact  Maud Gallery, quoting the artwork title.