Pearce Leal (AU)

Born 1993, North Shore, Aotearoa
Lives and works Naarm (Melbourne) , Australia

Pearce Leal is a photographer based in Naarm. His recent work  explores the profound interconnection between humans and the natural world, how we simultaneously form and are formed, by our surroundings. This is shown in the two bodies of work exhibited – Slowly Through the Grass (2021- ongoing) and Salmon at the Antipodes (working title, 2022- ongoing) – that, while created in vastly different geographical locations within Australia, share this thematic thread. One examines the introduction of Salmonoid species, raising questions about the ecological consequences of farming and restocking cycles. The other focuses on the flying fox, a crucial migratory species for pollination and seed dispersal of native flora up and down Australia’s east coast. Across his practice, Leal creates works through amalgamating photographs, archival materials, ecological writings, and tangible alterations to printed matter. His works invite reflection on how past actions have shaped the present-day landscapes we inhabit.