At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present, and to those emerging leaders in the community. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

We are open 10am–5pm. Our exhibitions are always free.

To companion a companion
Fernando do Campo

To companion a companion<br>Fernando do Campo

To companion a companion is a playful exhibition of new work by Argentinean-Australian artist Fernando do Campo that proposes humans as the companion species to birds.

Originally coined by theorist Donna Haraway, the term a ‘companion species’ describes two species that have evolved in tandem.

Humans have long co-habited with companion species. While many are indigenous to their environment, others have been introduced into new landscapes. These introductions form part of a wider colonialist and nationalist projects and carry complex contradictions. Today, these animals exist around us but often escape unnoticed, forming part of a sonic landscape that speaks to histories not long out of reach.

To companion a companion is a humorous, often cheeky, ode to the companion species that flit amongst us. Building on do Campo’s ongoing research into human-bird relationships, the exhibition focuses on the unique histories carried by the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) in Western Australia, as told through painting, video, installation, and performance.

To companion a companion at PICA is the third and final iteration of the exhibition previously presented at Contemporary Art Tasmania (CAT), Hobart and UNSW Galleries, Sydney.

The exhibition is accompanied by The Companion Companion Reader, a website featuring texts by contributors from multiple disciplines that expand on notions of interspecies companioning. www.companioncompanionreader.com

A selection of works in To companion a companion were available to purchase at Salon Vernissage 2022.

Fernando do Campo (b. Mar del Plata, Argentina 1987) is an artist based in Sydney. Fernando has presented solo exhibitions in Australia and the USA and group exhibitions internationally. He has received grants from the Australian Regional Arts Fund, Arts Tasmania, Ian Potter Cultural Trust, Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW and The New School. He is a Sir General John Monash Foundation Scholar. Fernando is currently Artist-in-Residence at the State Library of NSW and  represented by Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Sydney.


Supporters

To companion a companion is presented by project partners CAT – Hobart 2021, UNSW Galleries – Sydney 2021, PICA – Perth 2022.

This project was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Image: Fernando do Campo, 2022, installation view. To companion a companion, 2022, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), photo: Miles Noel.