Curator
Sebastian Henry-Jones
What holds particular significance for you in/about Neilsen Park country and Bottle and Glass Point?
Seymour is particularly drawn to seaweed, a vital component in marine systems that provides food and habitat for diverse aquatic life. Seaweed aquaculture further positions itself as a potential aid in the climate crisis, holding uses as food, biofuels and fertilisers. It is important to recognise that First Nations have a deep and diverse traditional knowledge of Australian natural resources, including seaweed. Through Seymour’s research for the Rockpools project, she considers sustainable and ethical methods of ‘extracting’ seaweed as a material for artistic purposes.
Background
Sebastian Henry-Jones' curatorial approach is led by an interest in DIY thinking, and situated in the context provided by the gentrification of Sydney and Melbourne’s cultural landscapes.
Sebastian was most recently the Curator at West Space, having worked as a Curatorial Assistant for the 22nd and 23rd editions of the Biennale of Sydney, NIRIN and Rivus. He was a guest curator for the 2023 Churchie Emerging Art Prize at the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, and has staged group exhibitions and independent projects across the East Coast of the continent. He is a co-founder of DIY and experimental arts platforms Desire Lines and Emerson, and former editor at Runway Journal. In 2024 Sebastian delivered Site School (is cool) with Lana Nguyen as part of Parallel Structures, an ARC research grant initiative. Site School (is cruel) was a context-responsive pedagogical project developed with local members of a community farm in Albury Wodonga. During his time at West Space Seb also developed ‘Overgrown’, a day of collective learning centred on the notion that looking after the natural environment constitutes significant cultural work, particularly in the context of climate emergency.
How do you create spaces for contemporary leadership, learning and collaboration with other people and the environment?
My work and leadership evolves tentatively but with focus. When people come together to discuss and learn, an approach that relies on openness, honesty, respect and dedication is required. I try to uphold this in all my movements as artist, collaborator, student and teacher.
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We live and work on Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal Country. We honour the ongoing cultural and ecological relationships First Nations Australians hold with Country, waters and skies and acknowledge their continued custodianship.
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