Alluvial Gold

By Erin Coates with Stuart James and Louise Devenish
 

14 November 2020 -  14 February  2021
 

Opening Night 13 November 6-8pm

Performances: 7pm 10 February - 13 February 2021

Presented by Perth Festival in association with Goolugatup Heathcote and Tura New Music
 

For this major new body of work, Coates delves into the often-forgotten world below the surface to explore the changing ecology of the Derbarl Yerrigan / Swan River. Informed by marine biology, historical research and her experience free-diving in the river, Coates looks at the transference of matter into and out the river. In particular, the works respond to the accumulation of heavy metals in the bones of estuarine dolphins and the removal of the oyster shell reefs, which were heavily dredged in the 20th century to as a source of lime for building materials, including Goolugatup Heathcote. Coates' work provides a dark speculation on the transformation of river ecosystems while highlighting the fecundity and resilience of life forms within this urban waterway.

Percussionist Louise Devenish and composer Stuart James have created a musical score for works in this exhibition and for a live performance in the closing week, by exploring the instrumental potential of Coates' ceramic, oyster shell and metallic sculptures.

Alluvial Gold is part of TILT, an annual residency and exhibition responding to the site of Goolugatup Heathcote.

 

View the full residency report.

View the exhibition catalogue.

View the performance program.

Photo: Daniel Grant