Andrew Rewald: Plant Treaty
July 2022 - Dec 2022
The Quad
Plant Treaty is a garden installation by Northern Rivers artist Andrew Rewald, symbolising continuity and respect for plant knowledge amid times of great cultural and climate change. In this garden and country, locally endemic edible plants, and endangered or threatened native species sit alongside Eurasian food and medicine plants, some of which are classified weeds in Australia. Plant Treaty is an interactive space to consider the environmental, historical and cultural significance of both native and introduced in eco-reparation, agriculture, foraging and fermentation practices. Surrounding the garden are artworks from the Ethnobotanicals series– plants foraged, cultivated, cooked or fermented during community engagement projects between Australia and his ancestral homeland of Germany.Andrew’s practice is underpinned by Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaborative engagement in the Northern Rivers, revealing connections to place, while highlighting our paradoxical dislocation from the land and the urgency to reconnect.
Andrew invites public engagement through a series of talks on the role of eco-reparation in creating positive cultural and environmental change. Speakers include Arakwal/Bundjalung woman and plant knowledge holder Aunty Delta Kay on local indigenous foodways. Cudgenburra/Bundjalung Indigenous horticulturalist and cultural performer Clarence Slockee will discuss his use of native food and medicine plants in the regeneration of urban spaces.
Stay tuned for the dates of Andrew's collaborations.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
