Unlemon: an exhibition celebrating citrus

Unlemon: an exhibition celebrating citrus

27 July 2022

Chair of Citrus Australia, Richard Byllaardt spoke at the opening of ‘Unlemon: A Meandering Tale of Citrus’ an exhibition by Australian artist Alison Mitchell, focusing on the lingering threat of huanglongbing (HLB).

Richard shared with the audience a background to the Australian citrus industry and its significance to the Mildura area, as well as what it would mean if there was an incursion of HLB.

Pictured: CA Chair Richard Byllaardt (left) and artist Alsion Mitchell (right) at Mildura Arts Centre.

“Since its [HLB] discovery nearly 100 years ago, the disease has spread rapidly around the world.

“Worryingly for Australia, infected psyllids have traversed Indonesia, East Timor and PNG and now sit, ominously, just across the Torres Strait.

“Introduction would affect both commercial crops and backyard citrus as well as native Australian species.

“The only barrier is vigilant border control,” Alison explains in her exhibition.

The ‘Unlemon’ exhibition unfolds the story of citrus from its origins, trajectory, and diversity through words and painting.

“A trajectory that begins in lush ancient Miocene rainforests and culminates in the hot dry deserts of inland Australia,” said Alison.

The exhibition features only images painted from real life except for two square paintings from photographs of HLB infected citrus trees in Florida.

The exhibition ends with hope for a cure for HLB in Australia’s own native citrus species, explaining Australia has more native citrus species than any other country.

The ‘Ulemon: A Meandering Tale of Citrus’ an exhibition is on display at the Mildura Arts Centre until the 7^th of August.