The Tree Of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness

Book • Visual Art • Music • Film

Artist: Matt Ottley

“The creation of this entire work, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness; the text, paintings, music and film, took five years to complete, however the journey began many years before that. Although this work is not literally autobiographical, it is based on my own experiences of type 1 bipolar disorder, which I have suffered since childhood.” - Matt Ottley

This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks from Matt Ottley’s project encompassing film, orchestral composition and illustrated book The Tree of Ecstasy of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness.

Readers and listeners are offered a mesmerising visual and auditory tour de force about beauty and resilience, society and belief, that at its heart expresses hope for a greater understanding and embracing of difference.

The narrative unfolds around the metaphor of a tree growing within the boy, whose flower is ecstasy and whose fruit is sadness. Having personally experienced the prejudices and challenges that come from suffering a mental illness, Matt’s aim is to offer a sensory insight through images, music and words, into the experiences of those who suffer from such debilitating illnesses, particularly psychosis. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ottley's world, inviting them to slow down and reflect. This work is part of Ottley’s intermodal initiative, ‘The Sound of Picture Books’TM.

This profoundly beautiful exhibition is presented by YAVA on behalf of Matt Ottley as a gift to community. Please support this initiative by donating generously. As a registered charity donations to YAVA are tax deductible. 

See the film

The film will have two showings at The Memo, Healesville during opening week.

At the heart of the work is a 50-minute orchestral composition performed by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno and tenor Ben Reynolds. This will give audiences the opportunity to experience all aspects of the project.

About Jayden Ong

Jayden Ong Wines is a small, family owned and operated winery producing superlative wines for One Block, La Maison de Ong, Moonlit Forest, and Jayden Ong. They opened their Winery and Cellar Bar in the heart of Healesville and have been serving captivating food, wine and dining experiences ever since. It is no wonder that they won Gourmet Traveller’s Australia’s Best Cellar Door Awards - Cellar Door With Best Food in 2022.

Exhibition dates:

13 June - 14 July 2024

Gallery Hours:

Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.