Feathers and Earth is a three-year investigation into the geographic features and bird life of diverse locations. Each location is connected by an abundance of significant birdlife and unique geographic terrain.
Concerned with degradation of our natural world, this project explores cycles of decay, destruction and rebirth (birds) while looking at what lasts beyond the annihilation of climate-change (earth). Using photography and video to document the process, artists will create locative installations at/for/with each site. Artists will uncover parallels and differences between the three regions, drawing upon these to inform the art works.
In 2022, Penelope Bartlau and partner/artistic collaborator Jason Lehane began the project at home, on Gulidjan Country in Western Victoria. In May/June they undertook three international residencies with the project: Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, Artist Retreat, Ballinskelligs, Ireland, The Museum of Loss and Renewal, Collemachia, Italy and at La Macina di san Cresci, Chianti, Italy.
in 2023 the project continues at Château d'Orquevaux, in Orquevaux, France.
