Three leading contemporary Australian artists who are inspired, challenged and grounded by plants are joining The Planthunter founder and editor Georgina Reid in a new event series.

This new series,  Art and the Garden, will encompass three separate discussions taking place in the spectacular surrounds of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

The first of this in-conversation events will be with art photographer Tamara Dean, exploring her creative process in relation to living among nature. Images in Tamara’s most recent photographic series Endangered were directed from a boat and depict 21 naked people swimming five metres below her. These stunning images seek to reframe the notion of human beings: mammals in a sensitive ecosystem that are as vulnerable to climate change as all other beings. 

The second event is with internationally acclaimed contemporary photographer Bill Henson. Gardening is a ‘drug’ to Henson – a form of meditation and ‘one of the most ancient and greatest pathways into contemplation.’ This conversation will explore the making of his own garden in Melbourne and how this influences his art practice.

Finally, Georgina will meet with mixed-media artist Janet Laurence who has explored the interconnection of all things animal, plant, mineral for over 45 years in her art and own Balmain garden. The discussion with Janet will focus on care and connection, lessons she’s learned from plants, and the relationship between art and activism. 

Art and the Garden
Tamara Dean: Sunday September 8th 10.30am-12pm
Bill Henson: Sunday October 20th 10.30am-12pm 
Janet Laurence: Sunday November 10th 10.30am-12pm
Domain Theatre, Art Gallery of NSW
Art Gallery Road 
Sydney, New South Wales