Eleven Months on the White Continent: Antarctic Art Journey Unfolds on Screen

On 5 March 2026, MATDOT Art Center hosted a special screening and artist talk titled Stephen Eastaugh’s WINTEROVER, offering audiences a rare glimpse into artistic life in one of the most remote regions on Earth.

The event featured a screening of the short documentary Winterover, created by established Australian artist Stephen Eastaugh. Known for a career shaped by travel, geography, and cultural displacement, Eastaugh has visited more than 100 countries. His practice frequently involves overseas research and the creation of mixed media and film works that respond directly to the environments in which he works.

The film documents Eastaugh’s 2009 residency at Mawson Station in East Antarctica, where he served as the official artist-in-residence through the Australian Antarctic Division. It marked his ninth journey to Antarctica and his first experience wintering over on the continent. Spanning eleven months, the documentary captures dramatic moments including a mid-winter expedition, powerful blizzards, the luminous Aurora Australis, and the creative process of making art in an extreme and isolated landscape.

Following the screening, Eastaugh engaged in a lively discussion with the audience, which included art students and enthusiasts. During the Q&A session, he reflected on the physical and psychological challenges of Antarctic life, while sharing insights into how the harsh environment profoundly shaped his artistic perspective and practice.