Megan Donaldson of the Australian National Botanic Gardens delivering the acknowledgement to country in Ngunawal language, (image cropped) photo Dave Wong.
Bimblebox 153 Birds Words and Music event was at the Australian National Botanical Gardens, Canberra on Friday 25 March, 2022.
Words and Music was an evening of performed poetry and an artist talk, interwoven with live music. Led by Robin Davidson, writers performed the poems that they have contributed to Bimblebox 153 Birds. Musician Nitya Parker created and performed music throughout the evening and artist Peter McLean spoke about his artwork for the Common Bronzewing. It was a beautiful evening, enjoyed by all who attended.
The poems gave voice to the Australian Pelican, Australian White Ibis, Bush Stone Curlew, Emu, Pheasant Coucal and the Speckled Warbler. These are some of the birds that have been sighted on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
Along with photographs from the night, I’ve linked audio files of the poems and music for these birds. These mixed audios of poets and musicians are part of the experience of Bimblebox 153 Birds. Have a listen!
Thank you to: Megan Donaldson, Australian National Botanic Gardens Robin Davidson, organiser, MC and poet Nitya Parker, musician Peter McLean, artist Janne Graham, poet Fiona McIlroy, poet Sonya Duus, poet Hazel Hall, poet Sandra Renew, poet with a zoom appearance by Jill Sampson (curator)
And a big thank you to the Australian National Botanic Gardens!
Bimblebox 153 Birds has now closed at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Currently its next exhibition will be at Dogwood Crossing Gallery, Miles, Qld during September and October 2022.
Robin Davidson introduces Jill Sampson (curator of Bimblebox 153 Birds) to speak via internet, photo Dave Wong.Emu, writer Janne Graham The Bimblebox Emu, musician Klue (Gabriel Clouston) on mic stand and processing, audio compilation and mixing by Boyd. Artist Peter McLean talks about his Bimblebox 153 Birds wood engraving and drypoint of the Common Bronzewing, photo Dave Wong.Common Bronzewing, wood engraving and drypoint with copper foil and chine collé, 2014, Peter McLeanBush Stone Curlew, writer Hazel Hall Bush Stone Curlew burhinus grallarius, musician Colin Offord on Wedge-tailed Eagle feather flute, bamboo horn & bamboo windpipe, audio compilation and mixing by Boyd.Musician Nitya Parker weaving music throughout the evening, photo Dave Wong.Pheasant Coucal, writer Sonya Duus Pheasant Coucal on Bimblebox Nature Refuge, musician Roger Dean on piano and electronics, audio compilation and mixing by Boyd.Poet Fiona McIlroy performs her poem Oratorio at Bowen Creek, photo Dave Wong.Speckled Warbler, writer Fiona McIlroy Oratorio at Bowen Creek, musician Reflected Chop on software synths, audio compilation and mixing by Boyd.Musician Nitya Parker, photo Dave Wong.Ausrtalian Pelican, writer Sandra Renew The pelicans fly on, musician Bassling on Balloon, audio compilation and mixing by Boyd.Robin Davidson performing his poem Australian White Ibis, photo Dave Wong.Australian White Ibis, writer Robin Davidson, musician Vincent Dwyer on broken tape deck, audio compilation and mixing by Boyd.After the event audience members were invited to explore the Bimblebox 153 Birds exhibition, photo Dave Wong.
Bimblebox Art Project 