Alison Pouliot Fungi Presentation

Alison Pouliot, international fungi expert will join us to speak about fungi, in her talk: 'Curry Punk & Devil’s Tooth – The Science & Aesthetics of Fungi'.

Your donation of $10 plus is appreciated towards the costs of the evening.

Throughout history, fungi have confounded with their strange appearances and dubious connotations. Humans are sharply divided in their regard for fungi – some revere them, others kick them aside. Centuries of myth and misunderstanding take time to unravel and redress.

Yet without fungi, life as we know it would be unrecognisable. Fungi underpin terrestrial ecosystems, forming cross-kingdom alliances with countless creatures and intimately entwining with plants. As ecological first responders, they kickstart recovery following ecosystem disturbance.

Fungi also wobble our assumptions about life, offering a radical new lens on nature – and even on human society. At the dynamic intersection of science and art, their most compelling possibilities emerge.

In this highly interactive talk Alison explores the ecology and aesthetics of fungi, sharing field experiences from both hemispheres and stories from her adventures during the photographing and writing of her recent book.

Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and professional environmental photographer with a focus on fungi. She is actively involved in teaching, research and conservation, but you’re most likely to find her in the undergrowth among fungi. Her journeys in search of fungi span northern and southern hemispheres, ensuring two autumns and a double dose of fungi each year. Alison is author of The Allure of Fungi, Wild Mushrooming, Underground Lovers, Meetings with Remarkable Mushrooms, Funga Obscura and Mushroom Day. www.alisonpouliot.com

Alison's presentation is in partnership with Artisans of Australia and a co-conceived community art exhibition "Fabulous Fungi" running from 12 August to 7th September. CALLING FUNGI ARTISTS: find out more about how you can be involved in the art exhibition here: