ACMI Art + Film: Jen Valender

Enter the wild sonic landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand-born, Naarm-based artist Jen Valender.

Filmed at Police Point on the Mornington Peninsula, Stormborne explores Australia’s climate history through the lens of intensifying coastal storms. At its centre are sculptural drums – built from recycled local materials and an antique weather map – designed to be played by the rain and wind.

Also screening is Clearfell, originally commissioned for the Lorne Sculpture Biennale. Shot on a digital cine camera and transferred to 16mm, Clearfell transforms an antique ABC TV satellite tripod into an Aeolian harp – an instrument played by the wind.

Following the screenings, Valender will be joined by Associate Professor Simone Slee for a discussion about performing for film, performance art, and the act of performing with sculptural objects.

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Stormborne, running 30 May - 30 June 2025 at Alpha60 Chapter House.