Voices of Nature 2020

2 ECHOES

Location: 266 Montague Road, West End Queensland 4101, Australia

Australian Earth Laws Alliance

'Voices of Nature 2020' brings together acoustic ecology and visual art communities to explore ways of representing nature’s voice(s). The exhibition is part of the biennial Rights of Nature week, hosted by the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) and is presented in partnership with the Australian Forum for Acoustic Ecology (AFAE).

‘Voices of Nature 2020’ aims to encourage the exploration of the concepts of voice, standing, representation, and agency of the natural world within human governance systems. Rights of Nature is grounded in the recognition that humanity is just one member of the wider Earth community, and that we have evolved with, and are dependent upon, a healthy, interconnected web of life on Earth.

Intertwined / Michele England

Intertwined investigates one ecological system that has been dug up, burned, chewed down and spat out to the point where it is now deemed critically endangered. Efforts are underway to restore and recover what is remaining of this ecology, but what if we had respected the right to exist in the first place?

This artwork looks at the critically endangered Box/ Gum Grassy Woodlands ecology in Canberra alongside our democracy, our law system and the review and appeal process. Right now, the Environment Protection and Biodiverstiy Conservation Act is under review, the interim review is scathing.

In this time of great challenge to our personal health, we must also look further afield and look to the health of all life which is under great threat and needs our help. Ultimately, we are all inextricably linked, intertwined, and to thrive we all must survive.

www.micheleengland.com Instagram: @eon.artlife

1 sound

Sound of Coral Crying / Kay Lawrence

My work embraces my concerns for humanityʼs ecological sustainability. From within a feminist paradigm, I research the problematic relationship between nature and culture, using our liminal positioning between nature and culture to provide a transcultural perspective on issues concerning the natural world: its vulnerability, fragility, ephemerality and mutability.

In my practice I interrogate connections between nature and culture—seeking some form of reciprocity in relationships between humans and the natural environment—and reject an anthropocentric, human-centred world in favour of one that views humankind as one element in a larger ecosystem. Due to climate change and other human-induced impositions on the natural world, we are faced with species eradication and reduction. The sound you hear is that of a severely depleted coral reef. If we are able to transpose human qualities and emotions to other living beings, then we are more likely to elevate them from their subjugated status, as inferior to humans, treating them more ethically and thus indirectly aid humanityʼs survival.

http://www.kaylawrence.net

1 sound