Exhibition focuses on the fusion of nature and photography

Biochrome artist Renata Buziak with some of her work at Binna Burra

The spectacular colours of the Scenic Rim's World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest have been captured in artworks showcased in an exhibition to open at The Centre Beaudesert this month.

Through textiles, works on paper and video by Renata Buziak, the Floras of Gondwanan Heritage exhibition running from 11 May to 13 July focuses on the remarkable image-making process developed by the artist based on the fusion of organic and photographic materials.

Helping her audience reconnect with nature through art-science research has provided the inspiration for Renata who, in 2022, was invited by Binna Burra Lodge to be its first artist-in-residence honouring the legacy of renowned Queensland artist Vida Lahey, the sister of Binna Burra's co-founder Romeo Lahey.

During her residency, Renata created a series of biochrome images of rainforest species, including the Antarctic Beech and Black Wattle, whose ancestry dates back millions of years to Gondwanaland.

"The biochrome process is a collaboration with nature, a process of image making I developed by fusing organic and photographic materials over an extended period," she said.

"I am looking forward to presenting this exhibition at The Centre Beaudesert.

"It offers a multifaceted experience that combines art, science, culture and nature and aims to enrich the lives of those who attend, and inspire explorations of new art-science endeavours.

"People can experience the beauty and intricacies of plant life, engage their senses and imagination.

"Through engagement with art and science, visitors have the opportunity to explore the intersection of these disciplines, learn about the biochrome process, the plants, and contemplate the cycle of life."

The exhibition will be launched by Scenic Rim Councillor Stephen Moriarty at The Centre Beaudesert on Saturday 18 May at 2pm and includes a performance by Bloom Collective inspired by the artworks, an artist talk by Renata and commentary by guest speaker Dr Victoria Garnons-Williams, former Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries at the Queensland University of Technology.

"It's fantastic to see plants from Binna Burra transformed into these colourful large-scale artworks," Cr Moriarty said.

"I am sure visitors to The Centre gallery will be just as fascinated as I have been to see how a process of decomposition has led to the creation of pieces of such breathtaking beauty.

"Regular visitors to The Centre's gallery will already be familiar with works by Renata, who has previously contributed to Council's exhibitions, Connections to Place in 2022 and Gift Wrapped in late 2023."

Cr Moriarty said he was looking forward to the launch and the special events to be held in conjunction with the Floras of Gondwanan Heritage exhibition.

Admission to the launch, where light refreshments will be available, is free but bookings are essential. There are limited places for a cyanotype workshop for adults which will be held on Saturday 25 May.

International Environment Day will be celebrated with a free behind-the-scenes talk and tour exploring art and science processes from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 8 June.

Bookings for the exhibition launch and special events can be made via the liveatthecentre.com.au website.

The free Floras of Gondwanan Heritage exhibition will be open from Tuesdays to Fridays 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm from 11 May to 13 July.