Who is Lisa Roet?
Visual Artist.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Not Much. I’m a fatalist.
Who inspires you and why?
Creatively Werner Hertzog documentaries. The fine line between real, the imaginary and all in between… And all based on fact. There is a looseness in his work where the camera flows and allows for a scene to evolve without too much interruption or manipulation. I really don’t like manipulative arts/music/film. I like questions to be asked without too many answers placed before me. I’m inspired by people who can follow their ideals and their dreams… while respecting the environment.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would live solar in a rain forest growing my own food, weaving my own clothes… And like it!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo Research Station (and when cashed up ECO Lodge) a stunning eco system containing a huge variety of Flora and fauna. The bird life is amazing, the orchids people come form all over the world to see and Orangutan and other animals still live in a relatively pristine environment. I made a video there several years back of just the rain hitting the forest. Its awe inspiring to see this.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
In Melbourne food spots, restaurants and markets because when I lived in Europe for 10 years this is what I missed the most about Melbourne. Multicultural eating. Secret Rock pools on the Mornington Peninsula because I love snorkling and showing off the incredible coastline only an hour form Melbourne. A road trip to Lake Mungo… Road trips are one of the ways to experience Australia and its vast and and distances and lake Mungo makes you understand the sheer age of this country and the depth of its culture.
What are you currently reading?
Heart of Darkness… For the third time
What are you currently listening to?
Richard and Linda Thompson – Bright Lights
Happiness is?
Is finishing a show.
What does the future hold for you?
Hmmmm hard to know!
For over two decades Lisa Roet has won acclaim in Australia and internationally for her powerful investigations into the complex interface between humans and our simian relatives. Drawing inspiration from myriad sources including residencies at major international zoos and field studies of apes living in the forests of Borneo, Lisa’s multidisciplinary approach to her work has challenged, and continues to challenge, fundamental scientific and behavioural theories relating to human evolution and creationism, language and communication, science and art and the relationship between humans and ‘other’ primates.
Lisa will bring her own vision of monkey magic to Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday 20 February 2016 as part of the 4th White Night Melbourne. For more information, visit: www.whitenightmelbourne.com.au for details. For more information about Lisa’s work, visit: www.lisaroet.com for details.
Image: Lisa Roet (supplied)