Neville Cichon

http://neville.cichon.id.au/filter/

Photographer, Neville Cichon, explored the past, present and future of our changing coastal environment during his residency at City of Onkaparinga’s Sauerbier House.

Neville says, ‘My time as an artist in residence at Sauerbier House provided an opportunity to experiment with photography and its capacity to convey ideas about the challenges ahead. For example, studio photography can heighten our connection to objects while long exposure and abstract works encourage contemplation and wide ranging interpretations.’

The Climate is Change - Art Exchange allowed Neville to gain a comprehensive understanding of climate related coastal erosion, sea-level rise and storm surge by engaging with the Sustainability, Assets, Coastal Planning and Conservation teams within City of Onkapringa. Staff were also able to share specialist reports and put Neville in touch with consultants and academics working in this area.

In reflecting on the residency, Neville says, ‘We often hear a lot of small numbers in relation to climate change. One degree temperature rise. One centimetre sea level rise. No cause for alarm surely? Seemingly so small, but how does this translate to our own backyard? During this residency I learnt a little more about what these numbers mean and the projections for the future.’ Neville asks the question, ‘Are we willing to see our idyllic beaches and coastal environment become a memory, rather than an experience accessible to future generations?’

UNBEARABLE / UNCOMFORTABLE

In this series of photographs, Neville drew upon a council report that projected loss of sand on local beaches due to climate change impacts. Using humour and studio photography, Neville makes the point that as sea levels rise and storm surges become more frequent, our local recreational beaches could be without sand subject to the actions we take.

The Dark Room

Visitors during Neville’s residency were invited to consider climate change and write their thoughts anonymously about their brightest hopes and darkest fears. A thermal imaging camera was used to create portraits in collaboration with local volunteers.

Circa 2030, We are moving and Bruun Rules OK!?!?!

During his residency, Neville learnt about the Bruun Rule, which is a useful rule of thumb guide to understand the potential impact of sea level rise on sandy shorelines. Neville explains that, according to the Bruun Rule, ‘With 13cm of sea level rise being a possibility by 2030, so too is the recession of our sandy shoreline by 13 metres.’

Learn more at: www.coastadapt.com.au

Give and take

This series of photos shows evidence of the daily cycle of erosion and movement on Southport beach at the Onkaparinga river mouth.