Fiona – activist, artist – wrestles with the political and artistic issues raised by her LiddellWORKS residency in this engaging video.
Transcript
The Liddell Works exhibition captures a pivotal moment in history, showcasing the transition from traditional power sources to renewable energy. My name is Fiona Le, and I am an installation artist based at the Create Incubator in Newcastle. My work often addresses societal issues, with a strong focus on climate change.
Arts Upper Hunter has a remarkable vision for this project, offering artists the opportunity to explore the Liddell power station, gather materials, and create artworks during this significant period. The collaboration among diverse artists has resulted in an exhibition that will resonate with the local community.
When I first visited the power station, I was struck by its noise, dirt, and antiquated appearance. It was clear that the station was ready to shut down and the site needed to be renewed with battery storage to support renewable projects. This transition mirrors global changes and reflects the themes in my art practice, honoring the past while looking towards the future.
My personal connection to climate change intensified after my family lost our home in the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis. A Bushfire Affected Artist Residency at the Create Incubator allowed me to process this loss and delve into the context of a warming planet. Reading the Royal Commission into the bushfires and the New South Wales inquiry highlighted how climate change exacerbated the fires, reinforcing my focus on coal as a fossil fuel contributing to global warming.
The closure of power stations like Liddell signifies a shift in our economy and energy systems. It’s a privilege to be part of the Liddell project, which aligns with my belief that we must move away from fossil fuels. At my studio in Newcastle, I am creating works using materials sourced from the power station. I’ve made molds from timber patterns and incorporated fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal, into my concrete pieces. These works serve as cultural time capsules, honoring the power station’s legacy while addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
My studio is filled with materials from the power station, including cast concrete pieces and objects sourced from the surrounding environment. Of the three works I’ve created, my favorite is LD 330, named after a machine part replicated nine times. This piece resembles a relic from Liddell but speaks to the future.
The Liddell Works exhibition captures this critical moment in the Hunter region’s history, reflecting the significant changes underway. Creative responses to contemporary issues like climate change and energy are vital to our discussions. I hope to see many more projects like Liddell Works, using art to explore and address the challenges of our time.
