Tim Georgeson
CHANAMEE, ‘NEVER DIE’, 2023
3 Channel Moving Image Installation
3480x2160
15:28 mins

Tim Georgeson’s cinematic journey deep into the Tanami Desert with the Karrinyarra People exploring First Nations Fire Practices reflects on the unprecedented environmental disaster of the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires that unfolded across the country. Fuelled by record-breaking heatwaves, prolonged drought, and strong winds, the fires left a lasting impact on both human and natural ecosystems.

Together, we bring indigenous lore to life in art through found moments with fire, landscapes, objects, sound, voice and the Aboriginal Luritja language. We weave through Country that has been transformed by recent desert fires, capturing memento mori: earth scars, traces of extinguished life, transforming flora, ant mounds, bushes, wildlife, smoke stain, fire graves, human debris.

“Fire is a regenerator of life, without fire we wouldn’t survive,” say Nigel & Terence, Karrrinyarra elders. With a global climate crisis following the worst wildfires in Australian history, the relevance of this exhibition is very timely. Aboriginal fire keepers and the Indigenous Council have a much-needed story to tell that benefits all life. By opening that secret world to others, this exhibition hopes to inspire cross-cultural understanding, support international climate movements and give a push for new legislation that allows for First Nations people to participate in important ecological decision-making around crucial survival issues. Aboriginal fire practices are the beacon of global sustainability and are crucial knowledge for our collective ecological survival.

Artist/Director Tim Georgeson
Cinematographer Ryan Andrew Lee
Editor Ryan Andrew Lee
Colourist Fergus Rotherman
Music Renzo Spiteri & Adam Moses
Commisioned by WA Arts, Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth Arts Festival & Indigenous Desert Alliance
Screened at ‘Polarity: Fire & Ice’ Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth Arts Fest 2024

Filmed on the traditional Country of the Luritja and Karrinyarra Peoples of the Northern Territory. We acknowledge the Luritja and Karrinyarra Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Skies, Land and Water and give respect to Elders both past and present. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.