‘Dried out’
Finalist in the 2024 Clayton Utz Art Award
Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting stripes across my messy room, the ceiling fan slowly swirling overhead, more ornamental than functional in the sweltering bedroom. I squeeze my eyes shut as I scratch around for ibuprofen and the lukewarm glass of water by my bed. The pressure behind my eyes is gaining steam as I slowly regain consciousness and the swelling in my throat threatens to shut off oxygen supply. I can hardly believe it’s possible to feel this horrid and almost want to laugh at myself for how comically unwell I am.
The dried out flowers on my drawers perfectly represent my sorry state post a night of consumption and serve as an analogy for most Australians come Sunday morning.
Drinking in Australia is deeply ingrained and often seen as a central aspect of social life. Cultural changes and soaring alcohol prices have seen a shift towards other vices to fill the void, such as vaping and recreational drug use. Regardless of the shape or form, Australia has a predilection for consumption. The feeling of coming down, shriveling up and drying out on days that end in ‘y’ is unfortunately relatable and the source of many stories told over a beverage or two.