Hybrid Ecology / Kept [amends]
BREATHLESS
Witnessing the killing action of the noxious vine Cardiospermum grandiflorum by suffocating the native Casuarina glauca growing across the Lane Cove riverside. Reflecting and reconsidering the early colonialists’ ornamental papery balloons capsules’ attraction.
Breathless digital video front view (detail)
A visitor looking at Breathless digital video (detail)
The Whistling Tree digital video edited including the visitor’ feedback (extract)
Digital video
Breathless (2026) is visually witnessing the killing action of the Cardiospermum grandiflorum by suffocating the native casuarina trees and surrounding bush vegetation.
The vigorous perennial climber can grow ten meters high by forming dense curtains of stems and leaves.
It is blocking light and inhibiting photosynthesis by completely covering host plants and trees, thus transforming its ecosystem.
The three black round seeds contained in large papery balloon-like pods are transported by wind and spread rapidly onto the soil.
Below the video, it is displayed a sketch of the noxious vine’s inflated capsules made by the artist in 2006, with beside a handwritten note describing its clever design and beauty.
The artist is reflecting and revisiting the same feeling of attraction than early colonialists experienced in importing this exotic and ornamental vine in Australia.
Artwork details
| Artwork | Breathless (2026) |
| Material | One channel digital sonic video, Samsung android |
| Dimensions | 24 (L) x 18(W) x 0.5(H) cm |
| Duration | 3:40 mins (loop) |
| Exhibition |
Kept [amends] _ Marta Ferracin
Articulate project space, Leichhardt NSW, AU 6 - 28 June 2026 Artist talks 14 and 21 June |
| Links | Event information |
Credits
Sound
Marta Ferracin field recording
Photos and video
Corey Rankin; courtesy of the visitor
Provision of the backroom
Articulate project space
© Marta Ferracin 2025 Website by Natalia
Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden