Craft ACT Artist-in-residence 2014: Bogs and Fens

Bogs and Fens: a rtist-in-residence
Alpine bogs and fens –
wetlands of significance
The Artist-in-Residence program has to
date produced a rich repertoire of cultural
practice, born from a direct association
with the majestic mountains of Namadgi
National Park.
This diverse body of work now provides
us with an archive of imaginative
interpretation. It speaks of artistic
interpretation that has created a narrative
for discussion, discourse and debate.
Through this, we are offered insights
into the many stories of this ancient,
yet constantly evolving landscape.
Here in the Bush Capital we find ourselves
immersed by nature’s artistic endeavours.
The ancient mountains which surround
the nation’s capital shape our urban
existence on so many different levels.
The mountains and valleys are a place
of beauty, where nature is able to flourish
and evolve, where clear water flows and
where people can find insight, enjoyment
and understanding.
It was set against this backdrop that
a catalyst for a rather unique alliance
between the ACT Parks & Conservation
Service and Craft ACT formed. Now in
its ninth year, this partnership continues
to weave a rich tapestry of artistic
interpretation of our natural world.
In 2014, the theme for the Artist-in-
Residence program spoke of the
significance of environmental wetlands.
Alpine wetlands purify and replenish our
water. Alpine wetlands act as a natural
sponge against flooding and drought and
protect our fragile mountains ecosystems.
They burst with biodiversity and are a
vital means of storing carbon. Put simply,
the future of humanity depends on our
fragile wetlands.
The three artists, Sally Blake, Annee
Miron and Satoshi Fujinuma immersed
themselves in this primordial landscape
and interpreted the environmental values
of alpine bogs and fens – unique and
endangered peat-forming wetlands which
occur in cool, wet mountainous environs
across Australia’s high country.
These unique communities provide
a number of ecosystem services
including vital breeding habitats for the
critically endangered Corroboree frog
(Pseudophryne sp.) as well as water
control and filtration at catchment
sources. Worldwide, wetlands are
threatened by a number of processes
such as climate change. In the Australian
Alps high country, alpine bogs are also
impacted by the heavy hoof grazing by
cattle and thousands of feral horses.
Left: Sphagnum Swamp, Monga. Photography, Murray Fagg.
Image provided by the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
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