Cicada Dance Lines II is a new series of playful photographic works by Wodonga artist, Marg Leddin.
Using the subtle technique of the photogram, Marg’s artwork invites you to explore the captivating connection between cicada hatching cycles and the cataclysmic bushfires of the past decade in North East Victoria. Themes relating to climate change resonate within Marg’s imagery.
A photogram is a photographic print made by laying objects onto photographic paper and exposing it to light. Marg’s inspiration stems from her childhood memories of insects perfectly synchronised, dancing above the horizon in the bush environment of the upper Murray and the cicada’s mysterious ability to regenerate in abundance after bushfires.
Through cataclysmic events such as bush fires, Marg’s photograms harness the regenerative power of nature to show hope and optimism for the future.
Marg is fascinated with tonal nuances that evolve through photographic image making using found objects. As a body of work is built, themes and narratives emerge that anchor her photographs and photograms in time and place.
Marg acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First People of the Country and has sought permission from local elders to appropriate the term "song lines" as Dance Lines in the title of this exhibition.