Nature Obituary, a profound and provocative work by artist Janenne Willis.
Artist and curator Janenne Willis is set to deliver a poignant and transformative experience at this year’s Festival with her interactive live performance, Nature Obituary. This provocative event invites attendees to confront the climate and biodiversity crises through an intimate and reflective lens, blending art, emotion, and action to spark meaningful change.
A Space for Reflection in a Time of Crisis
The climate emergency is no longer a distant threat—it’s here. Devastating floods, catastrophic bushfires, and the rapid disappearance of species are stark reminders of what’s at stake. In response, Nature Obituary transforms a corner of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens into a haven for ecological grief, care, and connection.
Janenne Willis’s creative vision brings the climate crisis into sharp focus, offering a space for attendees to reflect on what has been lost while inspiring hope and urgency for action. As festival-goers approach vintage writers’ desks adorned with eco pens and paper, they are invited to honor their personal connection to the natural world by writing obituaries for species, places, or ecosystems they feel compelled to remember. These personal reflections are then shared in live readings by spoken word artists Tariro Mavondo, Felicity Mashuro, and Willis herself.
Uniting Creativity and Urgency
Willis’s work is a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and inspire action. “Nature Obituary is more than a performance,” says Festival Director Luke Taylor. “It’s a wake-up call. It dares us to confront the truth about what’s at stake and challenges us to act before it’s too late. This is the kind of brave and raw engagement we need right now.”
The evolving library of obituaries created by participants becomes a living archive of collective memory and care. First Nations writers also contribute commissioned works, infusing the event with cultural insight and deeper reflections on the relationship between land, waters, and community. Their perspectives add profound layers to the shared experience, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and the natural world.
The Artist Behind the Vision
Janenne Willis, a Bunurong and Boon Wurrung Country-based artist and curator, has spent her career exploring themes of empathy, nature, and connection. Known for her innovative works like Sea State and the acclaimed Swell series, Willis continues to push boundaries by creating immersive experiences that engage both the heart and the mind.
Janenne Willis has spent her career exploring themes of empathy and nature. (Image credit: Bri Horne)
In Nature Obituary, she channels her artistic expertise into fostering a collective moment of reflection—a call to care for the planet before it’s too late. Her unique approach connects participants to the gravity of environmental degradation while kindling hope and determination to act.
A Call to Action
As the climate and biodiversity crises accelerate, events like Nature Obituary remind us of what we stand to lose—and what we still have the power to protect. Willis’s work serves as a rallying cry for all who care about the future of our planet, urging us to reflect deeply, act boldly, and nurture our connection with the natural world.
This year’s Festival is not just an event; it’s a moment for collective awakening. Don’t miss your chance to participate in Nature Obituary and join the growing movement to honor and protect our planet.
Event Details
Nature Obituary will take place along the lakeside at Princes Lawn in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
Free and open to all—materials provided.
Check Session times here
Join Janenne Willis and the National Sustainability Festival in honoring nature, confronting loss, and inspiring a future built on care, connection, and action.
