Manjimup Art Gallery present Richard Woldendorp exhibition Contours: Aerial Impressions Of A Complex Landscape

Peering out over the vast Australian landscape from the intimate cabin of a light aircraft, Richard Woldendorp photographed the beauty of the Australian landscape for almost 60 years.

This stunning display of aerial photography can be seen at Manjimup Art Galleries’ newest exhibition, Contours: Aerial Impressions Of A Complex Landscape.

The exhibition opened last Friday and will be on display at the Manjimup Art Gallery until March 22.

Woldendorp died in April 2023 and his wife Lyn introduced his artwork to the community at opening night.

She said Richard wanted to show Australians the amazing landscapes they had access to.

“Richard wanted to bring it to their attention, not only to appreciate it but to look after it,” Ms Woldendorp said.

Before his passing, when talking about his photos Woldendorp said: “The Australian landscape has always appealed to me”.

“There’s something about it, its spaciousness, its character, the light and its uniqueness.”

Born in the Netherlands in 1927 and emigrating to Australia in 1951, Woldendorp began his artistic journey as a painter.

“He was really aiming to be a landscape painter,” Ms Woldendorp said.

“But when he had the camera, things started falling into place.”

Ms Woldendorp said Richard would fly across Australia for different jobs and fell in love with the landscape from the sky.

“In the beginning he would drive off into the bush and sometimes he’d find a local aeroclub or a farmer with a plane and ask if they could take him up,” she said.

He always said preferred flying with them because they flew a plane like they ride a horse, they take risks.

Miss Woldendorp said it was an interesting life with Richard and it had been “wonderful” to be a part of it.

“He’s had an amazing life, but I have too, because I’ve been a part of it,” she said.

“It’s been a team, that’s been great, I am so grateful and I miss him.”

Shire of Manjimup president Donelle Buegge said she was delighted to have Woldendorp’s artwork at Manjimup Art Gallery.

“His topographical views of textured farmland, meandering rivers, weather landforms and turbulent coastlines are breath-taking and remind us of the unique beauty of the Australian landscape,” she said.

For more information about Contours, visit the Manjimup Art Galleries website.