Discover the Secrets of Trees at Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery

Rockhampton-based artist Veronika Zeil opened her latest solo exhibition at Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery on 3 February.

Once Upon a Forest: The Eloquence of Trees explores the fascinating ability of trees to communicate and interact on levels we are only just beginning to understand. 

Who said trees cannot talk, feel, share and act collectively? We may not hear or see evidence of their communal activities as we hike through forests. However, science allows us to gain more and more insight into processes which fairy tales and myths have taught us all along – forests have magic!

The forest ecosystem is linked in many intriguing ways, through fungi, sound, electromagnetic waves, scent and chemical signals. Trees will warn, nurture, support and protect one another, learn from past mistakes and collaborate with relatives and across species. Veronika Zeil has used scientific insights and responds to the world around her, inspired by an artist residency at the Hambidge Art and Science Centre in Georgie US, and reflecting on the recent bushfire events at Cobraball in Yeppoon.

In our world people are habitually seen as sovereign over plants and animals. Once Upon a Forest will pursue a deeper relationship with nature and poses questions about the limits of human knowledge and imagination.

To celebrate the exhibition, a special weekend event has been planned to unite garden lovers on Saturday 15 February at Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery. A Morning at the Gallery will be hosted outdoors in the garden and includes morning tea, live music by Saxophonic and a plant swap event.

Once Upon a Forest: The Eloquence of Trees continues to 13 March 2020.