Artist Statement:

This work uses 35 OCT retinal scans from one of my patients with advanced macular degeneration alongside images of Nobbys Beach to explore how vision loss can lead to visual hallucinations. People with severe vision loss not only have blurred or distorted vision but can often also see phantom images, such as imagined landscapes, as the brain fills in missing input. The beach photographs have been darkened to suggest the overall dimming of sight in macular degeneration, with a central stripe additionally blurred and pixelated, reflecting how central vision - the area responsible for colour and detail - is most profoundly affected. The pixelation also recalls the fragmented texture of the OCT scans below, visually linking the medical documentation of disease with the altered seascape. In this section an abstract twilight seascape emerges from the assembled scans of damaged retinas, representing visual hallucinations, with each phantom wave a trace of what once was. As day fades to night, the image evokes the quiet grief of vision slipping beyond reach.

Artist Bio:

Julie Purdie is an artist based in the Hunter Valley, whose work is deeply informed by her professional background as a clinical optometrist. Drawing on her knowledge of vision science, she explores the complex processes of human visual perception through her creative practice.

Julie’s work investigates how we interpret the world visually, from the initial reception of images to their transformation through memory and consciousness. She begins her process with digital or paper sketches, which serve as foundations for abstract photography—often incorporating long exposures, intentional camera movement, or even medical imaging equipment. These sketches may also evolve into acrylic or oil paintings that feature techniques such as sgraffito, layering, and masking to reflect the multiple stages of seeing and perceiving. Her imagery is frequently fragmented, simplified, or distorted—evoking the emotional essence of a moment rather than its literal detail. By emphasizing different aspects of visual perception, Julie invites viewers to consider alternative ways of seeing, offering fresh insights into the connections between vision, memory, and meaning.