Nest

Nest. 2024.
Digital work. Multi Channel. Continuous loop 9 minutes 20 seconds.
Collaboration: Leila Jeffreys x Melvin J. Montalban
Presented for Vivid Sydney 2024 at Stargazer Lawn, 27 Hickson Rd, Barangaroo from 24th May until 15th June, as part of Australia's largest festival of light. ⁣⁣  ⁣

Immersive and monumental installation ‘Nest’, from Australian artists Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban, is a meditation on interconnectedness and the dance between humanity and the natural world.

A towering and expansive circular structure, ‘Nest’ is a multi-channel film celebrating the Australian crane the Brolga, projected as a glowing ribbon of light and movement. The transparent projection surface allows the audience to view these birds from both outside and within, encircling those gathered, and urging us to decelerate and be mindful of our shared presence within this moment.

'Nest' represents the artists' fourth collaboration and a continuation of their broader practice to create spaces for mindful reflection on our connection to nature.

Made possible by Vivid Sydney
Directors Melvin J Montalban & Leila Jeffreys
Cinematographer Chris Bryan
Bird Trainers Ravi Wasan and Alex Saleeby from Feathered Friends Bird Sanctuary
Composer Jackson Mico Milas
Bonsai artist Hugh Grant from Tree Makers
Executive Producer Emma Thompson, Photoplay Films
And special thanks to Miss Brolga ⁣