In a quiet corner of the Australian Museum, far from the gaping crowds clustering about the infamous idol, I encountered a queer, unsettling image. Part of the same exhibition of Pacific mysteries, it was a crudely rendered oil painting of a ship in full sail, with a glorious rainbow dominating the sky above. It was labelled ‘The Ascent’ and originated in New Zealand in the last years of the old century.

The painting disturbed me greatly, with a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. it took me some time to realise exactly the reason why …

The Turn of Midnight Waters

DAZ Studio and Photoshop. Click image for larger version.