And then plants are confused with stones. Rocks look like brains, stalactites like breasts, veins of iron like tapestries adorned with figures

You’re warmly invited to experience a special preview of a new work in progress by artist Marian Tubbs, developed during her Noosa Natural Ecologies Artist Residency.

Presented by SCCA as part of The Refinery in partnership with the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC, Marian draws on field research in the Noosa Biosphere and the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve, focusing on the biodiversity and beauty of the spectacular Noosa Everglades and the K’gari. Using high-definition field recordings of photography, video and sound are transformed into an immersive animation, created specifically for CAVE2, UniSC’s advanced visualisation tool, where audiences can experience the work within its 320-degree environment.

This work invites us to reimagine how technology can deepen our connection to place and act as a powerful tool for environmental research and education. By embracing emerging technologies and surrealist modes of composition, Marian imagines alternative and co-designed futures. At the same time, the work sparks conversations around cultural heritage, ecological storytelling, and the tensions between environmental preservation and ‘eco-escapism’.

The evening will also include an artist talk facilitated by Megan Williams, offering insight into Marian’s process, the possibilities of emerging technologies, and the role of creative practice in shaping alternative futures.

Event Details

Date: 20 September 2025
Time:
2:00pm Doors open
2:30pm Screening
2:50pm Artist Talk facilitated by Megan Williams
Location: The CAVE2, H Block
University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs QLD 4556

Free RSVP - Booking Essential

About Marian Tubbs:

Marian Tubbs is an artist whose assemblage-based practice explores digital and vision technologies, materiality, language and ecologies. Working across video, painting, sculpture and installation, Tubbs brings together the analogue and digital, natural and artificial, to reframe everyday materials and images in unexpected ways.

Her work has been exhibited widely, including Built Photography (Museum of Australian Photography, 2024), Backwash (ANU Drill Hall Gallery, 2023) and Know My Name (National Gallery of Australia, 2022). A major survey, we need privacy guys here too, was presented at USC Art Gallery in 2020. She is a recipient of the Marten Bequest Scholarship for sculpture (2017) and an Artspace Studio Residency (2019).

Tubbs’ work is held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Museum of Contemporary Art and others. She holds a PhD from UNSW Art & Design and is a senior lecturer at Southern Cross University. She lives and works between Bundjalung (Lismore) and Kabi Kabi (Sunshine Coast).

Accessibility:

Please note, some areas of the event will feature low lighting.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions to ensure your experience is enjoyable and accessible hello@therefinerysunshinecoast.com

Parking Details:

UniSC is a regulated parking zone from 8am–6pm. You can learn more about fees here.

Parking locations closest to The CAVE2 are P10 and P11 on the parking and amenities map.

R|Artist Residency: Noosa Natural Ecologies is a five-month program supporting mid-career and senior artists to create new work inspired by the natural environment of the Noosa region with a focus on integrating new technologies. Delivered by SCCA as part of The Refinery in partnership with the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC.

Supported by Major Partners, Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund. Delivered with support from community partner, Noosa Biosphere Foundation and media partners In Publishing (IN Noosa Magazine & Hello Sunshine).