Project Leader

Mark Temple, Western Sydney University

Status

COMPLETE

Background

Myrtle rust impacts the flora and ecosystems across the east coast of Australia. Visual impact of the disease includes yellow spores on plant foliage, defoliation, death of plants and invasive with exotic plants. Through engagement with indigenous artists we will represent the impact of myrtle rust on native bush tucker and culturally sacred plants and landscapes, to increase awareness in both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Indigenous cultures use spoken language, music and art to share knowledge. Through engagement and sharing of science data we aim to create beautiful art and music for education and community awareness.

This project is using non-traditional research outputs to promote awareness of Myrtle Rust and it’s impacts for community. Science data on Myrtle Rust is being used to make original creative works in both music and painting and these works are being curated to produced public exhibitions and events. Indigenous artists will play a central role in the artistic processes. These public events consist of live music performance, recording of original music and exhibition of painted artworks.

Five genome sequences from Myrtle Rust have been sonified and MIDI data from these have been imported into a Digital Audio Workstation. A variety of musical instruments have been assigned to the multi-layers of sonified audio data to make these sound more musical. In preparation for presenting these to the musicians, drums have added to these to contextualise a rhythm and tempo.

The full report can be downloaded here : Full Report