Across six nights, art historian Dr Olivia Meehan hosts a lively conversation series: Let’s Talk About the Weather.
With a variety of guests joining Meehan nightly, including writers, curators and scientists, reflect on the powerful forces of nature surrounded by the large-scale installation by Triennial artist Franziska Furter which provides the platform for fostering a deeper understanding of the profound influence of natural forces on our lives.
Hear guests consider how weather shapes our collective and individual experiences and the emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of extreme weather phenomena through conversations that explore the intersection of art, science, and the natural world, highlighting the significance of weather within cultures, historically and in the present.
Host
Dr Olivia Meehan is an art historian who makes connections between art, literature, nature and gardens across continents and through centuries. She has curated the podcast, Under the Weather: An Alternative Forecast, a library of recordings, presented by writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers, who recite, perform, and describe the weather depicted in art, literature, and music. Under the Weather considers the weather with a renewed sense of wonder and reflects upon the human experience of observing and interacting with changing atmospheric conditions.
Jazz Money is a Wiradjuri poet and artist based on Gadigal land, Sydney. Her practice is centred around poetics while producing works that encompass installation, digital, performance, film and print. Their writing has been widely published nationally and internationally, and performed on stages around the world. Jazz’s first poetry collection, the best-selling how to make a basket (UQP, 2021) was the 2020 winner of the David Unaipon Award and a second collection is forthcoming with UQP in 2024. Their first feature film is WINHANGANHA (2023), commissioned by the National Film and Sound Archive.
Humanity’s fascination with the weather can be attributed to several factors, including its direct impact on our daily lives, its unpredictable nature, and its symbolic significance in cultural, emotional, and spiritual contexts.
Author Lawrie Zion joins Olivia Meehan to discuss how weather is a fundamental aspect of human existence.
Lawrie Zion is Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Professor of Journalism at La Trobe University. His research interests span a range of topics in journalism and Australian studies, including weather coverage in the media. His 2017 book, The Weather Obsession (MUP) examines how digital media has changed the way we connect to the weather.
Weather symbolism has often been a tool used by artists to communicate complex emotions, themes, and narratives, inviting viewers to interpret the deeper meanings embedded within the natural elements depicted in the artwork. Weather symbolism serves as a powerful tool for expressing universal truths and exploring the complexities of the human experience.
NGV Curator Laurie Benson shares with Olivia Meehan the symbolism of weather within an art historical context, introducing examples in the NGV Collection and beyond.
Laurie Benson is Curator of International Art at the National Gallery of Victoria. He has worked on many exhibitions including, Caravaggio Darkness and Light, The Impressionists, Salvador Dali Liquid Desire, Cinema India, the Art of Bollywood, and Italian Masterpieces from Spain’s Royal Court, Museo del Prado. He curated Medieval Moderns: The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and was co-curator of the exhibition Horse. He has published widely on works in the NGV collection.
Wednesday 24 January — Weathered Words: The Art of Weather in Narrative
Olivia Meehan talks to some of Australia’s most prolific writers and musicians, delving into the artful integration of weather themes into their narratives. Through intimate and insightful reflections, hear how some of Australia’s most creative minds skillfully weave the elements of weather into their storytelling, conjuring evocative imagery and stirring emotions that profoundly resonate with audiences.
Michael Leunig is a cartoonist, writer, painter, philosopher and poet. His commentary on political, cultural and emotional life spans more than fifty years and has often explored the idea of an innocent and sacred personal world. His work appears weekly in the Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Bob Evans, the ARIA winning alter ego of Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell, has graced the Australian music scene for more than two decades and has written some of the country’s most beloved songs.
Thursday 25 January — Survive and Thrive: Living with Hope in a Climate Emergency
The theme of extreme weather phenomena serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, urging us to reflect on the consequences of environmental changes. Advocate, writer, and consultant, Tanya Ha joins Olivia Meehan to discuss the nature of these great sudden shifts, and the use of sustainable practices to mitigate their impact.
Acknowledging that extreme weather is an inevitable facet of our future Tanya will delve into the question of whether, amid the challenges posed by these climatic changes, there is still room for hope. Through a thought-provoking conversation, Olivia and Tanya will explore the prospects of optimism and the potential avenues through which humanity can navigate and adapt to the evolving dynamics of our environment.
Saturday 27 January — Feeling Moody: Weather’s Impact on Health, Behaviour, and Beyond
Olivia Meehan invites ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne to delve into the relationship between evolving weather conditions and our collective and individual experiences of the world today.
From the intricate interplay between the weather and our moods and emotions, to the tangible effects on physical health, behaviour, social interactions, and the far-reaching economic implications, join us as we explore the multifaceted impact of weather on the tapestry of our lives.
Whatever the weather, Nate Byrne bounces onto our screens each morning on ABC News Breakfast to let the nation know what’s going on in the skies. Best of all, he’s not just reading some numbers – Nate is a Meteorologist, Oceanographer, Science Communicator and all-round self-described nerd. To him, weather is the great equaliser – it touches each and every person in some way every single day. Aussies are noted for their love of talking about the weather, and exploring the Highs and Lows (and droughts and cyclones) through art just makes sense to Nate. As our climate changes and throws us unprecedented challenges, he is always ready to explain the forecast and explore the future in an engaging and approachable way.