Date posted: 22 February 2021
A mesmerising new collection of glowing, botanically-inspired art will be on display in Adelaide Botanic Garden from Wednesday 24 February. In Shared Reckonings, renowned South Australian artist, Catherine Truman, explores the impact of light on human vision and the growth of plants.
Truman’s exhibition combines thermoplastics and photo-luminescent powders with exquisite, thought-provoking results.
The event, which is part of the 2021 Adelaide Festival, was created following two concurrent residencies at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, and the Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology at Flinders University.
Truman’s works have been influenced by powerful themes: the catastrophic bushfires that swept the country last summer, climate change-induced biodiversity loss, and the global pandemic.
“The entire body of work was made during extraordinary times. The solitude of making under these bizarre circumstances of course had a major impact of all aspects of this exhibition,” explained Truman.
Displayed in the Santos Museum of Economic Botany and the Deadhouse within Adelaide Botanic Garden, the Shared Reckonings exhibition comprises of five installations and eight experimental films.
Director of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, Dr Lucy Sutherland, welcomed Truman and comments on the museum it is housed in.
“The Museum of Economic Botany is truly one of the wonders of South Australia. It’s a tantalising cave of endless curiosities and mysteries for children and adults, and for scientists, botanists and artists alike.
“It is entirely appropriate that this fascinating exhibition finds its first home within the botanic garden and museum walls. I invite you to immerse yourself in the connected worlds of Shared Reckonings,” said Dr Sutherland.
Where: Santos Museum of Economic Botany and the Deadhouse
When: 24 February – 2 May, 2021
Times: 10am – 4pm, Wednesday – Sunday
FREE entry
