Only six days until our new work – Opuntia Stricta, Prickly Pear (Country of Origin Series) 2011/2012 goes on display at the Albury Art Prize.

The ‘Country of Origin’ project is dedicated to the documentation of transcontinental migration of plant, animal and human species globally, investigating the effect human intervention has had on the environment, be it intentionally or accidentally.

 For the first stage of investigation we will complete a self-initiated residency by visiting regions of two countries, The Everglades, Florida, USA, and the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. These are areas known to be affected by the introduction of Australian native plant species that have become invasive. Data and images will be assembled to show the impact of such an invasion and the outcome will be exhibited as photographic sculptures, 1:1 scale dioramas and graphical elements.

 These photographic and non–photographic macro landscapes (having been captured and assembled using cartographic mapping techniques) will document non-native species that are flourishing after being introduced by humans into the environment.

 The ’Country of Origin’ project has commenced in Australia and we are currently documenting a sample of the most invasive non-native species, forming the basis of our conceptual investigation into current and historical social views on identity, belonging and alienation.

 The concept of human behaviour and the ability to treat invasive species with hostility will be examined in conjunction with mankind’s relationship with the natural environment, and how ‘nature’ is defined in an environment altered by artificial forces.