Lizard Island, Australia — Anohni Hegarty, the acclaimed avant-garde artist behind Anohni and the Johnsons, is preparing for her first visit to the Great Barrier Reef, a destination that evokes both excitement and anxiety. As she reflects on the contrasting beauty of the reef and the dire environmental crisis it faces, Hegarty likens her anticipation to visiting a memorial site, underscoring the gravity of her mission: to document the severe impact of climate change on this vital ecosystem.
Set in the backdrop of elegant villas and pristine waters, Lizard Island presents a stark reminder of the reef’s fragility. Home to unparalleled biodiversity, the Great Barrier Reef supports countless marine species and millions of people worldwide. However, it has suffered from six mass coral bleaching events in recent years due to extreme heat, highlighting a disturbing trend that threatens not only the coral but also broader ecological networks. Scientists warn that the disappearance of coral reefs could unleash a cascade of extinctions across interconnected habitats.
Hegarty is grappling with the haunting question of how society addresses widespread environmental loss. “What are the appropriate ceremonies for mourning the slower, systemic decline we are witnessing?” she asks, contemplating the collective grief tied to such unprecedented changes. As she prepares for her performances at the Vivid Sydney festival, Hegarty intends to create a space for reflection and remembrance, akin to that of a funeral for an ecosystem.
Her two shows titled “Mourning the Great Barrier Reef” will feature a blend of her music alongside footage captured in partnership with Grumpy Turtle, a production company specializing in conservation storytelling. The endeavor has her directing a dive team while snorkeling in the ocean, a juxtaposition that evokes both humor and bewilderment for the artist.
The process of coral bleaching can be visually stunning, as stressed corals emit vibrant pigments before succumbing to heat. Hegarty describes this phenomenon as a painful farewell, akin to witnessing someone reveal their essence in their final moments. A conversation with a scientist revealed that students often misinterpret dying reefs as beautiful, unaware of the devastating reality hidden beneath the surface.
Known for her poignant lyrics that address pressing social and environmental issues, Hegarty has often voiced her concerns about the climate crisis. In earlier works, she captured the pain of environmental degradation, eluding to a fate that seemed inescapable. While her music has been a medium for addressing these complex themes, she has also experienced isolation as a climate activist. “Being on the margins offers a unique perspective,” she reflects, recognizing the interconnectedness of various societal challenges from climate change to systemic injustices.
Her connection to Australia runs deep; an earlier encounter with the Martu people reshaped her understanding of life and loss. Their belief in returning to the land contrasts with her own upbringing, which emphasized a more limited view of existence. This enlightenment fueled her activism, leading her to support Indigenous rights against corporate exploitation.
While Hegarty revels in the chance to amplify these urgent environmental discussions, she also grapples with her carbon footprint. She candidly acknowledges the dilemma of flying to Australia and committing to energy-intensive performances. To reconcile her presence in a place facing significant ecological crisis, she has chosen to donate proceeds to environmental causes.
As part of her Vivid project, she will engage with scientists working directly on the reef’s preservation. Conversations with experts like Dr. Anya Salih and Professor Charlie Veron, known for his passionate stewardship of the coral ecosystem, allow her to delve deeper into the urgency of their findings. Their shared grief over the progressive decline of the reef illustrates a reality that demands action.
Hegarty sees Australia as a potential leader in environmental expression, citing a cultural openness to emotional connections with nature absent in other regions. She hopes her performances will evoke a sense of awareness and understanding among audiences. “To grieve is not to accept defeat, but to recognize where we stand,” she asserts.
Her vision for these shows transcends mere entertainment; it aims to foster a collective acknowledgment of the reef’s plight. By inviting people into the underwater world, Hegarty hopes to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation that inspires proactive change. In her eyes, this engagement represents not just an act of remembrance, but a vital step toward cultivating hope for a sustainable future.