The project at Clifton School of Arts consists of an exhibition and event series that assembles a new body of work developed during long-term engagement with the Permian-Triassic ‘extinction-line’ visible in the escarpment below the School of Arts, on Dharawal land. Responding to the complex material entanglements of this location, the project spans sculpture, video, text, image, collaboration, walking and public discussions. For the full program across the 2 venues, please see www.biancahester.com/projects/lithic-bodies
EXHIBITION
Clifton School of Arts
338 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Clifton, 2515
Open Thursday – Sunday
1.00-5.00pm (or by appointment)
Closing party:
Sunday 27th October
2.00–4.00pm
WALKING EVENTS & PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM
A series of walks and an interdisciplinary symposium bring together a range of specialists and knowledge holders to explore the ecologies, temporalities, and narratives surrounding the Illawarra escarpment and coastline on Dharawal Land. Curated and produced by Bianca Hester and Bronwyn Bailey-Charteris in collaboration with Matt Poll, the program aims to address the multiple ways that this complex landscape can be better understood and cared for in the context of a rapidly changing climate.
Walks will occur on weekends between 12th – 20th October and led by Uncle Peter Button (Wollongong Aboriginal Male Elder of the Year 2022, co-founding member and caretaker of the embassy at Sandon Point, current chair of the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council), Dr Leah Gibbs (School of Geography and Sustainable Communities, University of Wollongong), Leon Fuller (author of Wollongong’s Native Trees) and Emma Rooksby (Chair, Illawarra Land Care). For details and bookings see www.biancahester.com/projects/lithic-bodies
DEEPTIME COASTLINE: public symposium
To celebrate the last day of Lithic Bodies at Clifton School of Arts, this symposium draws together diverse perspectives on the surrounding Illawarra escarpment and coastline on Dharawal Land. The program begins with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Uncle Peter Button, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Matt Poll, with speakers and special guests including Tyson Antonio Frigo, Peter Hewitt, Tara Djokic, Brian Jones, and Nicole Smede. Together, they will reflect on the deep knowledges and histories embedded in this site, offering a range of insights from the fields of poetry, art, geology and Indigenous knowledge. Following the panel discussion, guests are invited to join us for a closing event celebration. For details and bookings see www.biancahester.com/projects/lithic-bodies