Perennial Land & Accompanying Performances

Aleisha Devonport & Jessie Muir

Cyanotype and Naturally Dyed Fabric 

The Perennial Land is a site-specific installation comprised of banners hung along a line of blue gum trees in Barrambin. The work draws upon, and connects past, present and future elements of earth, wind, and water at the site. The artworks use cyanotype printing, blue hues and natural dyes and forms of local native and Indigenous flora to capture permanent imprints of the non-human inhabitants of the site. Together the colours and forms link Barrambin’s windy sky, the historical wetlands, and the remnant water hole nearby (often called York’s Hollow). 

The placement of the work is inspired by the grand size of the blue gum trees and establishes a mesmeric experience that contrasts the strength of that Country with the local, delicate floral elements. 

Performance Team

Sky/Land/The Paint Project 

A multi-disciplinary performance in three acts connects and extends upon all the works for Finding Barrambin. Beginning at the Jacaranda Tree (site of the Returning installation), 

Act 1: Sky - is a contemporary dance performance that asks us to consider our own past, and what it is that connects us; suggesting that critically examining our own history can be a healing journey. 

Act 2: Land - takes place along the winding grass track of the artwork Historical Contours of Barrambin, involving a physical theatre piece and a guided sensory experience. This act has a strong focus on the present, reminding us how powerful it is to ground ourselves in the present. 

Act 3: The Paint Project* takes place near the artwork Always Has Been, Always Will Be at the main lake. Three canvases, lightly pre-marked with stencilled outlines and images of birds and local flora will be painted collaboratively by the public over the day, creating a snapshot of community and creativity, and highlighting the strength of working collectively.