Great Fences of Australia

The viewing experience of 'Great Fences of Australia' promises to be immersive and contemplative. It combines the vast visual scope of the Australian landscape with the intimate and often unexpected sounds of its fences. Coupled with the documented human narratives, it offers a multifaceted perspective on the continent, inviting viewers to consider the country's geography, its history, and the enduring impact of human intervention through a distinctive artistic approach.

While it incorporates documentary elements through video and audio recording, 'Great Fences of Australia' transcends a conventional documentary format. It is more accurately described as an artistic exploration and sonic mapping of the Australian continent, driven by the unique performances and recordings of violinists Jon Rose and Hollis Taylor. The emphasis is on capturing the essence of the fences and their surrounding human stories through an innovative artistic lens.

The inclusion of iconic structures like the 'Dog Fence' and 'Rabbit-Proof Fences' highlights their prominent roles in shaping Australia's landscape and history. These are not merely boundaries but also symbols of human efforts to manage wildlife and define territories. By incorporating them into the project, 'Great Fences of Australia' draws attention to the immense scale and historical weight of these specific constructions, contrasting them with the multitude of other fences encountered.

Beyond the sonic and visual recordings of the fences themselves, 'Great Fences of Australia' delves into the human stories that surround these monumental barriers. The project actively documents the lives and histories of the individuals who build, maintain, and utilise these fences. This ethnographic dimension seeks to provide a richer understanding of the fences' significance, connecting the physical infrastructure to the people who are intrinsically part of their existence.

Audiences can anticipate an exploration of the auditory landscape of Australia, filtered through the specific character of its fences. The project focuses on the unique sounds produced by hundreds of different fencing materials and structures, from the well-known 'Dog Fence' to the 'Rabbit-Proof Fences'. This sonic palette is intended to be a distinctive feature, offering a new way to experience the country's geography and the human endeavour that shapes it.

The driving creative force behind 'Great Fences of Australia' is violinist Jon Rose, who has been instrumental in conceiving and executing this expansive project. He is joined by fellow violinist Hollis Taylor, who collaborates in the extensive travel and recording undertaken across the continent. Their combined efforts have led to the documentation of hundreds of fences and the human narratives intertwined with these iconic structures.

At its heart, 'Great Fences of Australia' is an ambitious project that uses the vast Australian landscape as its canvas. Violinists Jon Rose and Hollis Taylor have embarked on an extensive journey, travelling over 35,000 kilometres to record and perform the unique sonic qualities of hundreds of fences. This unique approach aims to capture not just the physical structures, but also the stories and histories of the people connected to them across every state and territory.