Alpine Overture
Chelsea Bell | @chelmaybell
In a time of unrelenting “unprecedented change” it is grounding to remember that there is a beautiful anticipated and constant change occurring in the alpine regions of Tasmania. The ‘Turning of the fagus’ is one of the most spectacular seasonal events to witness. The leaves of the fagus (Nothofagus gunnii) are pictured in autumnal transition as they transform from green to a vibrant tapestry of red, yellow, and orange. The vibrant colours gradually come to prominence as the chlorophyll is withdrawn from the leaves first, leaving other pigments to ‘shine’. The spectrum of colours on a single branch illustrates the uneven progression of seasonal change influenced by a delicate balance of local alpine environmental conditions. No matter what unfolds in the world, the turning of the fagus endures. Each year it arrives anew, never the same, but still offering a quiet promise of renewal and something extraordinary still to come.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites amateur and professional photographers to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize is sponsored by Pennicott Foundation — thank you crew! It would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers, as well as the wonderful Tasmanian businesses who donate prizes.
