There is no such thing as “the climate change debate”.Climate change is real, the science is clear, it is happening now. And we are feeling its devastating effects.Climate change is cranking up the intensity of extreme weather events here in Australia and worldwide. Massive bushfires blazing all year round, hotter, longer, more frequent heatwaves, devastating droughts, and storm surges riding on higher seas are all influenced by climate change. The oceans are warming. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living marine structure, is finding little reprieve from more intense and frequent marine heatwaves that cause devastating bleaching. Coral bleaching is happening on a scale and with a frequency not seen before. Biologists predict that if we continue carrying on the way we are then by the end of this century 50% of species living today will face extinction. And humans are not immune. To see ourselves as different and separate to the ecology and ecosystem of our planet is leaving humanity unprepared for the world we are currently destroying.The sooner we recognise and acknowledge this, the sooner we can start embracing more sustainable ways to address the imbalance and try and right the scales. There is hope. Renewables are the cheapest and most ecological form of new energy today. Countries around the world are phasing out fossil fuels as a power source. The world’s brightest minds are trying to catalyze change. We can see that through international unity - when we all work together -we can start to turn the tide.My new series ‘Endangered’ is a reframing of the notion of ourselves as human beings - mammals in a sensitive ecosystem, as vulnerable to the same forces of climate change as every other living creature. The difference being that the power and responsibility lies with us.

Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery

Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) is the largest public gallery in the South East region of Melbourne. The gallery’s seasonal exhibition program combines a mix of self-generated curatorial projects, local artist focus projects, collection-based and touring exhibitions. The gallery also develops a range of ambitious curatorial projects, commissioning artists to make new work drawing on contemporary issues and the distinctive natural environment of the Mornington Peninsula. MPRG’s biennial National Works on Paper prize is one of the most prestigious awards and exhibitions in the country.

Office

204/7 Smith Street
Fitzroy, 3065

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