Freya Roebuck Bushfire couture

Pyriscence: (seed release by fire) is the ending is the beginning
Serotiny: (regeneration) of the human condition in the wake of psychic death

An exploration of bushfires and serotiny in the Banksia species, combined with a case study of colonial Australia focusing on Tom Roberts’ A summer morning tiff, exposed themes of conflict and psychic death, illuminating the regeneration of the human condition. This evolved to encompass an exploration of the Indigenous presence in the landscape; further, to a juxtaposition of the roles of Indigenous and colonial women. This connection to landscape was manifested through the use of natural eucalyptus dyes and the process of burning – this marriage of concept and practice alluding to Indigenous collective memory, focusing on mourning and rebirth.

Influencing artists: r e a, Linda Jackson, Jenny Kee, Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, Linda Sproul, India Flint