On the Western Edge: Witnessing Bluetts

1 March — 2 November 2022
Bluetts Block

Bluetts Block, a natural area on the edge of Canberra’s rapidly growing urban footprint, is located near the upcoming Denman Prospect area. Over the years, the site had been subject to various land uses. Recently, the natural values of the site, as well as the potential threats to it, prompted many Canberrans to push for its protection.

On the Western Edge: Witnessing Bluetts was a long-form photographic workshop that revolved around the eucalypt ecosystem of Bluetts Block, conducted in partnership with ecologist and photographer David Wong. Over seven months, participants regularly visited the site to photograph the resident animals, plants, non-living elements, and the ecological processes that shaped the place. Run by Dave Wong, the workshop featured special guests Jean Casburn, Con Boekel, Alice Wells, Chris Holly, and Carolyn Young, who each shared their unique insights with the group over multiple in-situ outings.

As a collective, the workshop worked towards creating an in-situ exhibition at Bluetts Block and a professionally produced photo-book showcasing the outcomes of the experience.

The work from this pop-up exhibition remained viewable after Thursday in the Manuka Arts Centre Gardens until Saturday, December 17th.

Participating artists included Allen Bills, Angela Rymer, Bec Fassone, Bernadette Law, Fiona Hooton, Jenni Savigny, Jennifer Forest, Joel de Courcy Browne, Joshua Law, Kristiane Herrmann, Mandii Bennett, Michael James, Miriam Blackburn, Rebecca Blackburn, Sarah Ryan, Scott Ferguson, Yasmin Idriss, and Yvette Morris.

Download Bluetts publication Video - Introduction of the project Review of the event by Brian Rope Review on Canberra Times website