Fiona Harding

If a tree falls in a forest…

Hold on a second. What about, if a tree talks in a forest?

The original proposition – of course – is a philosophical one (while – scientifically – the vibrations in the air exist, the profundity of the question lies in whether sound happens without a consciousness that perceives it). It’s ultimately a question about the nature of reality. I suppose the alternative version of the speculation is too. But while the former places us at the centre of everything (again!), the latter suggests there could be sentience out there that we’re not privy too – that doesn’t need us in order to exist or matter.

Fiona Harding doesn’t even question the idea. In fact, she’s interviewed a group of selected trees herself, collected their words, and offers them up as audio works alongside the trees that were generous enough to participate. All you need is a smartphone that you can scan a QR code with.

Translating Trees invites people to become listeners to beings that emerged hundreds of millions of years ago—trees that have adapted, survived, and collaborated, and will possibly endure far beyond the lifespan of humanity. If humanity’s destiny is to find solutions to, and escape our self-made destruction, Translating Trees attempts to highlight the power of ego-less systems, giving voice to trees who potentially hold the answers.

A map can be collected from Noosa Regional Gallery, guiding participants on a short walk between interview subjects on the nearby banks of the Noosa River. Harding will also be offering guided tours to small groups interested in hearing the interviews with additional trees read out loud.

Harding predicts (from previous experience talking to trees) that there will be intelligent advice provided.

ARTIST BIO

Fiona Harding (Spirit You) is an interdisciplinary Australian artist based in Namba/Nambour, whose practice examines the link between the physical and the spiritual. Through a multidisciplinary approach spanning painting, installation, sculpture, costume, and video performance, Harding seeks to articulate a reverence for nature and render spiritual experiences into tangible forms.

Trees speak through Fiona Harding’s art, inviting us to listen, reflect, and connect with nature’s enduring wisdom.