Free things to do in Ballarat this Spring | ourballarat Spring 2021
Saying it with flowers at the cemetery
This year’s Ballarat International Foto Biennale will have a unique exhibition site. Proud Wotjobaluk writer, artist and consultant Kat Clarke will present Say it with Flowers as a site-responsive exhibition at the Ballarat General Cemeteries.
“Say it with Flowers provides a synergy between the exploration of memory, nostalgia and rituals within the emotionally and historically charged site,” Kat says.
Kat, while acknowledging the site’s sensitive nature, aims to challenge the idea of the cemetery as a dormant space and instead turn it into a place to contemplate life’s impermanence.
“We were interested in presenting works that respond to themes such as memory, mortality, longing and community while, at the same time, touching on aspects like rituals and the significance of flowers and the land within the framework of nostalgia and memory.
“The artists within this exhibition speak to the way in which flowers and land represent a potent symbol of life and death, reminding one of both celebration and decay.”
Ballarat General Cemetery Trust CEO Annie de Jong says the new and the old cemeteries are beautiful open spaces that also keep the stories of the people who built our city.
“Mixing this current modern art with our old art is a great opportunity for Ballarat.”
Say it with Flowers will be on exhibition at the Ballarat General Cemeteries until 24 October.
As one of the nation’s pre-eminent photographic festivals, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale attracts significant international and Australian photographers.
Now in its 16th year, this year’s Biennale will span 58 days, 260 artists across 100 venues and much more. Find out more at ballaratfoto.org