Art & About Sydney
23 September - 23 October 2011

IMAGINE a collaboration between art and science, with creative minds working together to tackle the complex contests for scarce land and resources facing our local communities. Curated by Leo Robba and produced by Anthony Papp, this unique exhibition showcases very individual artistic responses to the science informing current debates on topics such water, land usage, urban development, transport and food security.

Leo Robba is an artist, writer and curator who is passionate about the Australian landscape and the environment. He is based in the Blue Mountains.

Anthony Papp has worked as a producer on events for some of Australia’s largest companies. From concept to delivery he brings to life the experience.

Featured Artists

• BreadMan: Robert Guth
• Green dollars
• Jane Gillings
• Joanna Braithwate
• John Reid
• Leo Robba
• Lucy Culliton
• Luke Temby
• Michael Herron
• Nicholas Robba
• Peter O’Doherty
• Rod McRae
• Reg Mombassa

Featured Academics and speakers

• Dr Jane Dixon, ANU
• Professor Tony Capon, ANU
• Kathleen von Witt, Director, Haweksbury Regional Gallery
• John Maguire
• Stephen Craig
• Dr Jonathon Allen, UWS
• Professor Bill Bellotti, UWS
• Dr Abby Mellick Lope

Program 2011

What is Food (Bread) Really Worth?

Saturday September 24 & Sunday September 25, 8am – 8pm
What is a loaf of bread worth to you? Over two days, performance artist Robert Guth bakes loaves, offering them to passers-by in exchange for items they consider of equivalent value. He documents the exchanges and sells them on eBay.

Humanising the Landscape

Monday September 26, 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Artist Leo Robba explores the development of the artist’s garden tradition as well as English landscape garden, and it’s impact on Australian landscape painting.

Audio file: Leo Robba & Professor Tony Capon

Healthy Cities

Monday September 26, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Professor Tony Capon discusses issues such as climate change, population growth and healthy sustainable cities.

Food Security

Tuesday September 27, 7.00pm – 7.45pm
Join Associate Professor Jane Dixon in a thought provoking discussion exploring whether climate change could make Australia a food-poor country.

Audio file: Professor Jane Dixon & Leo Robba

The Face of Urban Sydney

Wednesday September 28, 7.00pm – 7.45pm
Artist and musician Peter O’Doherty will talk about painting the town red… blue or even green.

Audio file: Peter O’Doherty & Leo Robba

Agriculture

Thursday September 29, 6.00pm – 6.45pm
Associate Professor in Design at University of Western Sydney, Dr. Jonathon Allen, will explore the topic “Agriculture: the contest for land and water resources in Sydney’s west”.

Audio file: Professor Jonathon Allen & Leo Robba

image: A View of the Artist’s Garden (detail) 2011 oil on canvas, Leo Robba