In May and June 2020, Anna spent time with her 87-year-old father in his garden in the Strathbogie ranges in Victoria. This video captures this time. It represents the culmination of a lifelong relationship with her father and with his garden, that has been an inspiration for her artistic practice.
The video brings together interests Anna has been working with for many years, including the natural environment, pattern, colour, dance, photography and the music of Jim White.
“In my father’s garden is a strange and wonderful film. Is it a portrait of a man, of a place, a kind of wordless observational documentary? Or is it a dance film? (And what is dance, anyway?) The film is all of the above, threaded with hints of unsentimental family dynamics; it can’t and shouldn’t be pinned down. The way elements coexist seamlessly on parallel but interlocked planes is casually otherworldly, like the plants being tended to. The editing throughout is surprising and intelligent. Both the music itself and the way it is used feel like new language. Anna White and her collaborators have grown something bravely beautiful.”
LOCATION: Rehearsal Hub
Directed, filmed and edited by Anna White
Performed by Doug White and Anna White
Music by Jim White, Xylouris White Picciotto, Jim White and Marisa Anderson
Image by Anna White
Specific accessibility information for this event:
Visual Rating: 75%
The event is fully subtitled or has minimal dialogue, some background music and/or sounds, so d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can have close to the full experience of the event.
Aural Rating: 50%
Has both sound and visual components, but sight isn’t essential to be able to engage with the event.