This changes everything is a series of artistic responses to some of the dramatic events of 2019 and 2020. Beginning with a summer of catastrophic bushfires that devastated landscapes, habitats and lives across the country; 2020 then delivered an unprecedented shock to humanity as the global pandemic unfolded.

In early 2020, while the fires still burned and smoke lingered, Australia felt the first ripple of COVID-19. By late March, the tidal wave hit. State and federal government directives were to ‘stay at home’ and as autumn settled in, we went into lockdown, along with half the world’s population. Contemporary life suddenly had an unknown rhythm of restricted movement, curfews, social distancing, school closures and working from home. Everything changed. The ‘new normal’ became both a media cliché and our lived reality.

Blue Mountains City Art Gallery exhibition curated by Rilka Oakley