Jasmine Jan, a Churchill Fellow and artist, is showcasing her latest exhibition, Mangroves – Tales from the Tide, at Questacon in Canberra. This immersive exhibit blends textile, photography, and digital art to celebrate the natural beauty and scientific importance of Australia’s mangrove environments.
The exhibition features detailed textile works created by three Darwin-based artists, including Jan, Melanie Tribe, and Barbara Williams. Visitors to Questacon will be transported to the mangroves of Australia’s Top End, where they can explore an array of handcrafted denim quilts, each adorned with needle-felted creatures and intricate depictions of mangrove flora and fauna. The quilts, displayed in a column installation, evoke the dynamic nature of mangrove forests and their delicate ecosystems.
Jasmine Jan, known for her innovative approach that combines art and science, has dedicated countless hours to creating this thought-provoking exhibit. Her quilts and sculptures represent the often-overlooked world of mangroves—forests that play a vital role in protecting our coasts from erosion, filtering pollutants, and storing carbon. Jan’s work aims to shift perceptions of mangroves, encouraging visitors to appreciate them not just as muddy, mosquito-filled landscapes, but as crucial environmental protectors.
“Mangroves are essential for our planet’s health,” says Jan. “Through this exhibition, I hope to share the magic and importance of these forests and inspire people to see them as vital, vibrant ecosystems.”
Mangroves – Tales from the Tide is now open at Questacon and will remain on display until November 2025. It is a testament to the power of collaboration between art and science, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural world through the lens of creative expression.
This exhibition also highlights the lasting impact of the Churchill Fellowship. Questacon itself stemmed from the vision of Professor Michael Gore AO, a Churchill Fellow, who founded the national science institution after being inspired by the opportunities and experiences his Fellowship provided. Today, Questacon stands as an educational hub, benefiting all Australians and continuing to inspire future generations.
You can watch Jasmin Jan’s Makers and Creator video on art and conservation here.
