20 July 2015: From its bus stops, suburban shops and tree-lined streets to its famous landmarks like Parliament House and Telstra Tower, a new book of photographs and poetry by two University of Canberra academics captures the everyday and unique aspects of Canberra.
Watching the World: Impressions of Canberra is a collection of poems by director of the University's International Poetry Studies Institute, Professor Paul Hetherington, and photos by director of the University's Centre for Creative and Cultural Practice, Distinguished Professor Jen Webb.
The book, which will be launched TOMORROW, presents a variety of different images and complementing poetry, including a photo of Mount Ainslie with poetry comparing it to Mount Fuji, a Lake Burley Griffin image supported by a poem on what it's like to be on the water, and even an ode to bus stops.
According to Professor Hetherington, the collection showcases how Canberra is more than just the nation's capital; it's also a place that more than 350,000 people call home.
"Watching the World presents a variety of engaging and stimulating photographic views and complementary poetry of the everyday and unexpected aspects of Canberra, while also including new perspectives on some of Canberra's most recognisable vistas and landmarks," Professor Hetherington said.
"Canberra is simultaneously the nation's capital and our home town, so we wanted to take the perspective of residents of the city for this book, rather than critics of its design. The images and poetry record ordinary parts of town – the places where people live, work and shop – avoiding reproducing the Canberra that features in news bulletins or tourist brochures but showing Canberra as the place we call home."
- Media are invited to attend the launch
- Professor Hetherington is available for interview tomorrow:
- Photos and poetry excerpts are attached and can be reproduced. More options are available on request.
WHAT: Launch of Watching the World: Impressions of Canberra
WHEN: Tuesday 21 July, 6.00pm
WHERE: National Library of Australia Bookshop
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Kristyn Comino: 0418 806 293
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415