A new, free literary series, Body of Work, has been announced by Melbourne’s Fed Square.
The program, say the organisers, invites ‘some of the country’s most significant writers into expansive, career-spanning conversations that move beyond the usual focus on a single new release. Instead, each event will consider the full arc of a writer’s creative life – from early work and formative ideas to the books that have shaped contemporary Australian literature. Across the series, acclaimed writers will reflect on the questions, obsessions, risks and creative turning points that have defined their work over time.’
The inaugural program will feature Helen Garner and Charlotte Wood, with further authors and event details to be announced.
Body of Work: Helen Garner
The series launches on 6 August with Helen Garner, one of Australia’s most significant and admired writers, in conversation with Michael Williams, editor of The Monthly and former Artistic Director of Sydney Writers’ Festival.
Across more than 50 years, Garner has written novels, stories, screenplays, diaries and works of non-fiction that have reshaped Australian literary culture. Revered for her fearless honesty in the pursuit of her craft, Garner has long played with the rules of form, inserting herself into her non-fiction work and drawing on her own life experiences to inform her fiction.
From Monkey Grip and The Children’s Bach to This House of Grief and her latest co-written work of non-fiction, The Mushroom Tapes, Garner’s writing is known for its self-awareness, precision and unflinching attention to human behaviour.
Body of Work: Charlotte Wood
On 24 September, Booker Prize-shortlisted author Charlotte Wood joins Body of Work curator Jaclyn Crupi for a close study of a career defined by creative risk, psychological depth and restless curiosity. Across seven novels and three works of non-fiction, from Pieces of a Girl to The Natural Way of Things and Stone Yard Devotional, Wood has continually challenged herself, and her readers, through works that return to questions of feminism, grief, solitude, female rage, spirituality, food, craft and the private lives of women.
Curator Jaclyn Crupi said Body of Work offers a rare opportunity for readers and writers to step back and consider an author’s complete body of work in a deeper and more expansive way.
‘Body of Work fills a gap in Melbourne’s literary landscape bringing writers and readers together to reflect on the complete works of our great writers,’ Crupi said.
‘These events speak to an appreciation of context, and a deep respect for the obsessions, risks and creative choices writers make throughout their writing lives. I hope readers and writers embrace this series wholeheartedly.’
Sarah Tutton, Fed Square Director of Programming, said: ‘It’s a privilege to welcome these extraordinary writers into a setting where they can reflect on the ideas, influences and moments that have shaped their careers over many years.
‘There are few opportunities for audiences to hear authors speak so openly and expansively about their creative journeys, and we’re thrilled to begin the series with Helen Garner and Charlotte Wood, whose achievements set the tone for the program ahead.
‘Best of all, these events are entirely free, ensuring as many readers, writers and curious minds as possible can take part.’
Details for further events as part of Body of Work will be announced in the coming weeks.
