Bird portrait photographer Leila Jeffreys' new exhibition soars into Sydney

Acclaimed Australian bird portrait photographer Leila Jeffreys first exhibition in three years opens in Sydney today.

The wound is the place where the light enters, based on a line from a poem by the Persian poet Rumi (1207–1273), runs from 12 - 29 October at the Olsen Gallery in Sydney.

Burnt branch. Credit: Leila Jeffreys

Jeffreys says the series is the result of years of research, investigation and collaboration.

"I have consulted and worked with many incredible people - conservationists and a world-class film crew - to produce this collection," she says.

The series was inspired by Australia's horror 2019 bushfire season, which Jeffreys says gave rise to a moment of profound personal grief.

Bleeding Heart. Credit: Leila Jeffreys

"I became more aware of my feelings and the works in my new exhibition speak to the fact that pain can reveal what truly matters...we can only mourn what we deeply love. The exhibition is a testament to this."

"While the fires raged I dreamed up a new mythology, one in which living creatures develop wounds that appear as physical markings. In the show, the birds – in portraits, on branches and bonsai - have been chosen for their natural red markings."

Bonsai no. 3. Credit: Leila Jeffreys

Alongside the exhibition, the Sydney Art Quartet (SAQ) will also perform, and there will be an artist's talk by Jeffreys on Saturday 15th October at 11am.

The wound is the place where the light enters runs until 29 October at Sydney's Olsen Gallery, 63 Jersey Road Woollahra. You can find out more here.