The arrival of the bogong moths in Ngambri Country indicated the start of a period of ceremonies for young men, for their initiation. Families from many different places travelled here to participate. We called it 'Running to the feast'.
Dr Matilda House, Ngambri Elder
The global pandemic has emphasised the importance of connection – to family, community and culture – while we negotiate the equally important ‘new normal’ of venue limits and social distancing. The National Portrait Gallery commissioned artist Jonathan Jones to present an interpretation of this altered social landscape. His response is the striking Bogong Cluster, a light projection installed at high-traffic points throughout the Gallery. Its 1.5 metre diameter is a prompt for visitors to maintain social distancing, while its immersive design reflects pivotal community connection through the lens of Jonathan’s Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi heritage, as he explains:
‘For countless generations bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) have migrated south, seeking cooler conditions over summer. The arrival of the bogongs signals an important time in the south-east Aboriginal calendar, when communities come together to share and celebrate. For Aboriginal people, natural phenomena – including the bogong moth migration – continues to connect us and remind us of community. In these uncertain times, with physical gatherings restricted, we can all still recall major events such as the bogong moth migration, and remain connected to each other through nature. Standing within the cluster of bogong, nature activates our cultural memory and speaks of our deep cultural relationships with, and responsibilities to, the natural world.’
