A Sydney-based neurodivergent artist has collaborated with people with disabilities to creatively respond to their shared concerns about climate change and the environment.
Guy Fredericks is an artist with Studio A, a group of professional artists with intellectual disability. He has teamed up with Dr Chloe Watfern to present Bleeding Hearts and Morning Glory, an exhibition at Manly Art Gallery and Museum from 1 March – 14 April 2024.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the collaborative project is a wonderful way to engage neurodivergent people in artmaking and discussions about caring for our environment.
“We are thrilled to display Bleeding Hearts and Morning Glory at Manly Art Gallery & Museum,” Mayor Heins said.
“This truly unique, collaborative project and exhibition has brought together artists, people with disability and neurodivergent people to have creative conversations about caring for our environment.
“This immersive exhibition challenges us to stop and reflect on the natural environment around us and the wonderful people working diligently behind the scenes to protect it.”
Central to the exhibition are the plants Morning Glory and Bleeding Heart, playfully captured by the artist as drawings, paintings and sculptures.
The initial phase of the project saw Fredericks and Watfern meet with a group of neurodivergent ‘eco-warriors’ taking care of coastal dunes and nature corridors across the Northern Beaches and Northern Sydney, as part of their work with not-for-profit and disability employer Bushlink.
As part of Bushlink’s work, strands of the Morning Glory weed were wound over tree branches to dry, capturing the eye of the visiting artist. These Morning Glory “lassos” appeared as ready-made sculptures telling a story about caring for our local environment and formed the starting point of Fredericks’ creative journey.
Fredericks said he is very worried about climate change and the exhibition reflects his concerns.
“I hope this exhibition gets more and different people involved in discussions about climate change and widens awareness,” Fredericks said.
“I also really admire the work that the Bushlink team is doing, creating more habitat for native plants and animals. In my exhibition I want to honour the important work Bushlink does in bush regeneration.”
