What is the Disparity Portal? A Metamodernist Commentary by artist JJFBbennett Portrait of a Metamodernist Artist If you stepped through the glass ring, which version of yourself would look back? A metamodernist discussion by artist JJFBbennett. A calm young man with wavy, dark cerulean-blue hair and a subtle smile stands perfectly centred inside a massive glass ring portal. He wears a simple light blue long-sleeved shirt. Behind his head, an intense golden sunburst radiates sharp, blinding rays. To his left are thick purple impasto swirls; to his right is a serene green valley painting. High-detail digital art, metamodern, surreal masterpiece. The Churn of the Unmade Look at the left side of the canvas. It isn’t just paint; it’s the heavy, exhausting gravity of pure affectation. I applied these deep purples and stark whites with a thick palette knife, wanting you to feel the weight of the medium itself—the messy, chaotic over-saturation of our digital lives, the constant noise. I...
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Travel Australia Darwin to Daly Waters
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DAY ONE
Our trusty Subaru Forester was packed with me, my partner Brenda, Katchalla (our concerned but enthusiastic spoodle), and enough snacks to survive a tiny apocalypse. With our brand new Brass Monkey securely tucked into the boot, we set off on our mission: the first leg of an epic journey from Darwin to Ulladulla, NSW, with Daly Waters shimmering in our minds as our initial oasis.
We departed from Darwin, the tropical humidity clinging to us like a second skin. After about 98 kilometers, the promise of caffeine lured us into the Adelaide River Country Store. Brenda, ever the coffee connoisseur, declared their coffee to be "a damn good coffee," which is a high compliment indeed. Meanwhile, Katcha sniffed around, searching for the right spot to relieve himself and stumbled upon the store's no dickhead policy.
Back on the Stuart Highway, the landscape began to slowly transform. The lush greens of Darwin gradually gave way to the more resilient vegetation of the outback.
The road stretched endlessly before us, and at times, the sheer emptiness evoked a "Where All Machines Must Die" vibe reminiscent of MAD MAX. The Forester smoothly cruised along between 120 and 130 kph. With the air conditioning cranked up, we watched for rogue kangaroos, birds feasting on roadkill, and unfenced cattle.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity (but was a respectable 6 hours and 45 minutes), we arrived at Daly Waters with a bug splattered windscreen. The turn-off felt like a secret passage to a legendary watering hole. We bypassed the famous Daly Waters Historic Pub—its quirky charm noted for a future visit—and instead pulled into the Daly Waters Hi Way Inn. Its pet-friendly policy was a godsend, and Katcha immediately made himself at home by barking at the neighbors. We made a note to return to the historic pub on our triumphant return.
Our culinary highlight for the evening was a gourmet Laksa noodle dish enjoyed in the privacy of our room. While we both longed for the legendary pub fare we'd glimpsed during check-in, the comfort of having Katcha at the foot of the bed was worth any culinary compromise. We just had to pour in boiling water and wait a few minutes for the heavenly flavors.
The next day, we woke before dawn, drawn by a soft golden light. Our morning walk with Katcha allowed us to admire the sunrise through towering trees, road trains, and outback scenery. Standing alone against the vast horizon, the branches of one tree glowed with vibrant colors, creating a truly breathtaking sight. It had a certain stark beauty, a resilient sentinel in a "no dickhead country." It was a peaceful start to the day, a reminder of the quiet beauty hidden within the seemingly harsh landscape.
As we continued our journey south, leaving Daly Waters and its iconic sunrise tree behind, we couldn't help but chuckle at our microwaved dinner and the sheer randomness of the outback. The Subie rumbled on, carrying Brenda and a happy spoodle toward our next adventure. The memories of Daly Waters were already taking root as a unique starting chapter in our travel tales.
This artwork is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Distribution and/or modification of the artwork without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.
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