Vale James Darling AM

Vale James Darling AM.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of James Darling AM, a visionary artist and dedicated supporter of Adelaide Film Festival for many years. James, alongside his partner Lesley Forwood, created evocative sculptural and installation art that confronted ecological and land management challenges. A farmer, committed conservationist and radical thinker, James’s art and advocacy emphasised that “nature is not a background” – a message central to his artistic ethos.

James' works have been exhibited around the world in Europe and Asia, as well as locally in the Art Gallery of South Australia and Hugo Mitchell Gallery. James was a great contributor to the South Australian arts community, and he and Lesley’s support as AFF Luminaries has helped us continue our mission to inspire, provoke, and engage audiences through cinema. James’ life and work has left an indelible mark on South Australia’s cultural and environment landscape.

He will be greatly missed.