More than 80 artists swell in the Tarkine for Art for takayna event for annual Bob Brown Foundation event

An artist who was part of a group of more than 80 that were given the opportunity to explore the Tarkine has described the experience as “life-changing”.

Artists exploring the Tarkine as part of a Bob Brown Foundation event where they create works inspired by the rainforest. Picture: Supplied.

An event that has become an annual pilgrimage for artists has taken place in a vast, remote area of the North-West.

Now in its 10th year, the Art for takayna event saw more than 80 artists explore the Tarkine rainforest and create works depicting its landscape.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is currently considering whether to allow a mine tailings dam in the Tarkine.

Organised by the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF), the Art for takayna event saw the artists split into three groups over the more than 450,000ha rainforest.

“It’s amazing how we can spread people across takayna, and artists immerse for that period of time,” BBF Campaign Manager Jenny Weber said.

Melbourne based artist David Booth. Picture: Supplied.

“We have people lining up to join it.

“It’s definitely a takayna institution in that it has this excellent energy around it.”

Demand for spots in the annual event is high, but Ms Weber said it aimed to limit the number of artists in the rainforest to ensure participants leave “a light footprint on the place”.

“We also love to make sure that we have our campaign team with each group. Our team gives talks about takayna and there’s heaps of questions about the place.”

Ms Weber said the Tarkine was a unique part of Tasmania.

“I’ve just spent nine days straight in that place, and it’s full of so many different species.

“It’s just remarkable how it’s a pocket of the ancient world, and we have it right here on our doorstep.”

David Booth, born in Tasmania and now lives in Melbourne, was among the more than 80 artists who participated in the Art for takayna event.

He described his experience as a “life-changer”.

“It’s an invitation to go and connect with nature, so that’s always a pretty special thing,” Booth said.

“I’ve been exploring other remote parts of Tasmania, but this is a different kind of space.

“It’s nice to enter that space, not as a tourist, but more through the knowledge of the people that are on the frontline protecting it.

“I was able to sit in, soak it up, let it speak with me, and just be more still within a space, which is a bit different.”

The BBF is planning to showcase the artwork created during the event at exhibitions in Hobart and Melbourne later this year.