AN upcoming art exhibition at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum in Sydney showcases the collaborative project of a neurodivergent artist and people with disabilities who are concerned about climate change and the environment.
The exhibition, titled “Bleeding Hearts and Morning Glory,” features works by Guy Fredericks from Studio A, a group of professional artists with intellectual disability, and Dr Chloe Watfern. The show runs from 1 March to 14 April 2024.
The project involved a group of neurodivergent “eco-warriors” who take care of coastal dunes and nature corridors across the Northern Beaches and Northern Sydney. These individuals work with Bushlink, a not-for-profit and disability employer.
The exhibition’s centrepiece includes playful and creative depictions of the Morning Glory and Bleeding-Heart plants in various art forms.
According to Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins, the exhibition is a unique and collaborative project that engages neurodivergent people in artmaking and discussions about caring for the environment.
“We are thrilled to display Bleeding Hearts and Morning Glory at Manly Art Gallery & Museum,” Mayor Heins said.
Heins hopes the immersive exhibition will encourage us to stop and reflect on the natural environment around us, and the people who work tirelessly to protect it.
“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.”
Fredericks, who is very concerned about climate change, hopes the exhibition will increase awareness and engage more people in discussions about the issue. He also wants to honor the important work done by Bushlink in bush regeneration.
“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.”
