‘The Australian landscape has been ravaged and renewed countless times by the effects of bushfires. In this sensitive and informed installation, the artists acknowledge this ecological history of our environment in their interpretation of the positive outcomes that can occur in the aftermath of fire…. The Holmes à Court Gallery’s primary purpose is to profile artists and works from the Collection and as Tim is represented by a 1990 sculptural work there was an obvious fit.’ Belinda Carrigan, General Manager
The positive effects on the Australian ecology that can result from bushfires provide the catalyst for this installation at the Holmes à Court Gallery during the Fire themed 2003 Perth International Arts Festival.
Phoenix was researched and developed by London based international artists Tim Maslen (Perth born) and Jennifer Mehra. In Sydney during 2002, the artists collected information whilst accompanying a fire ecologist through the burnt out Heathcote National Park following the devastating fires that swept through New South Wales in 2001.
‘…It was incredible to see how quickly the bush had responded and regenerated in such a short amount of time… we looked across the forest of trees covered in furry regrowth and the ground blanketed in seedlings activated by the fire…
We collected some amazing photographs and video footage that we have used as a starting point… The positive effects of fire and the important role that it plays in the ecology of Australia is inspiration for this new body of work…’
Maslen & Mehra, 2002
Maslen & Mehra convey their ideas via sculpture, installation, light and sound. The use of new technology, industrial materials and the performative, filmic nature of the work allows the audience involvement with the installation.
The exhibition is to be opened by The Honorable Sheila McHale MLA, Minister for Community Development, Disability Services, Culture and the Arts – Sunday 2 February 2003
Principal Sponsor – Woodside Australian Energy
A Full Colour Catalogue is available, including essays by Edward Lucie-Smith and John Barrett-Lennard.
