Homily to Country 2020 is an ambitious multi-part artwork that draws global attention to the ecological decline of the Darling River system caused by intensive water extraction due to irrigation, climate change and drought. Stimulated by an interest in the plight of farmers globally and the tensions that often exist between Indigenous peoples, ‘family farms’ and multinational agribusinesses, JR’s artwork focuses on both the ecological and human impact of the river’s decline. The work will comprise three key elements: a film combining portrait photography and documentary footage, plus footage of JR undertaking field research; and an architectural installation, envisaged as an open-air chapel in the NGV Grollo Equiset Garden, featuring a series of large-scale stained glass windows depicting super-sized portraits and environmental elements such as the Darling River’s dying river red gums. JR’s film and stained-glass windows will be acquired for the NGV Collection.
Photos NGV