A new immersive exhibition exploring fire, grief and regeneration, Fire Scars by documentary photographer Renae Saxby, has taken over Maitland Regional Art Gallery with a launch event this Friday.
Known for her striking documentary and music photography, Saxby brings a deeply personal lens to this body of work. Created during a period of significant upheaval, the exhibition weaves together intimate portraiture, remote landscapes and layered sound to explore the emotional terrain left behind by loss.
The result is an experience that sits somewhere between storytelling and healing, pushing beyond traditional photographic displays.
Fire is central to the narrative, not just as a destructive force, but as a symbol of renewal. Saxby examines the way landscapes scar and recover, mirroring the human process of rebuilding after trauma.
The interplay of devastation and regrowth forms the backbone of the exhibition, inviting audiences to sit within its tension and recognise the resilience tucked into the edges of ruin.
Visitors can expect an atmospheric, sensory-driven experience. The exhibition’s sound elements deepen the emotional resonance of Saxby’s visuals, with each piece offering a moment of reflection on what is lost and what can still emerge.
The immersive design encourages slow looking, creating space for connection between the artist’s journey and the viewer’s own.
The official launch on May 15 will include a special in-conversation session between Saxby and Senior Curator Kim Blunt. The event offers an opportunity to hear directly about the making of Fire Scars, the stories behind the images and the processes that shaped the exhibition’s unique blend of narrative, landscape and sound.
Fire Scars runs at Maitland Regional Art Gallery from April 28 to June 14, with the launch event taking place from 6pm–8pm on May 15. Entry is free, but bookings are recommended. For more info, head to mrag.org.au.
