A Sydney-based neurodivergent artist is collaborating with people with disabilities, to encourage them to participate in conversations about climate change.
Guy Fredericks, an artist with Studio A, a group of professional artists with intellectual disability, is presenting Bleeding Hearts and Morning Glory, an exhibition being held at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum in Sydney from March 1 to April 14, 2024.
Fredericks also worked with Bushlink, a not-for-profit employment program working on environmental projects.
Central to the exhibition are two plants Morning Glory and Bleeding Heart, which are captured by the artist as drawings, paintings and sculptures. As part of Bushlink’s work, strands of the Morning Glory weed were wound over tree branches to dry, capturing the eye of the visiting artist.
Fredericks admitted to concerns about climate change and the exhibition reflects this.
“I hope this exhibition gets more and different people involved in discussions about climate change and widens awareness,” he 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.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the collaborative project is a wonderful way to engage neurodivergent people in artmaking and discussions 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,” she said.
Photo: Guy Fredericks