Perdita Phillips

This project runs from April 2007 to January 2008 with fieldwork taking place in the Kimberley region of Western Australia between August and December. The residency will research aspects of the collection of objects by male great bowerbirds and the vocalisations performed as part of their mating displays.

The art project revolves around interacting with birds at the bowers. There are three discrete but concurrent conceptual approaches in Green, grey or dull silver. The first is to approach it by adopting an aesthetic standpoint of ‘interacting’ or ‘have a conversation’ with bowerbirds. The second is to undertake the process of science (as faithfully as possible) with a view to adding a small but accurate contribution to the knowledge of science. The third perspective is to undertake the process of science and use this performative experience as a material for artworks.

1 year part-time residency funded by the Australia Council Inter Arts program.