A profound and visionary collection of poetry and original artwork that explores personal narratives, First Nations wisdom and the many shapes of love, from one of Australia's most prolific young creatives.
Eclipse weaves reflections on Country with affirmation and cheek, fusing Beyonce with quantum physics.
Through free verse, experimental and concrete poems, Kirli Saunders taps into the rhythm of Ancestral wisdom, offering connection and healing from the wounds of love, grief and our Nation's shared history. These poems celebrate the enduring strength found in kinship and Country itself, and at its heart, Eclipse is a dedication to Kirli's fierce and undying love for her community.
Accompanied by Kirli's minimalist portraits and sketches drawn from the earth, Eclipse dances rhythmically through time and space, reminding us that both joy and sorrow are part of the same path. Kirli's playful and intentional verse brings us back to the Old Ways, while offering a fresh blak queer lens through which to view the present and future.
Through this collection, Kirli invites readers to find themselves among the stars, grounded in the earth, and held in the constant embrace of Country, community and the cosmos.
About the Author
Kirli Saunders (OAM) is a proud Gunai Woman who rarely stays in her lane. She's a multi-award-winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, singer-songwriter and consultant. Kirli creates, to connect, to make change, advocating for the land and her communities. She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to the arts (2022). Kirli has partnered with global organisations, including Google, Fender, Sydney Opera House, Qantas, Spotify, Mecca and Aesop on visual art and writing projects.
Her award-winning film collaboration, Cry of the Glossy (Grassland Films) has been screened around the world. Kirli created drone installation, Buungbaa Ma Ndhu (Fremantle Biennalle x Ngunuggula Gallery) and voice to art digital installation, TRACES (Google, Magabala, Sydney Opera House with Kamsani Bin Salleh).
Her eight books include Returning (2023), Afloat (2024) and The Land Recalls You (2024).
Kirli is currently writing Going Home, a theatre work with Merrigong, and recording her first album with Mark Harding, in their project, Cooee.
Industry Reviews
'Everything Kirli Saunders touches, from poetry to a paintbrush, is gold-Eclipse is exactly that.' Narelda Jacobs (OAM), Whadjuk Noongar journalist
'If you seek to understand love, land, community and the essence of our people, immerse yourself in Kirli's soul-stirring poetry.' Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, human rights advocate, lawyer and writer
'Kirli weaves her magic, collapsing time and space with her words . . . This book is a gift.' Teela Reid, proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, activist and cofounder of Blackfulla Book Club
'A stunning work of poetry . . . a powerful call to reconnect with the healing rhythms of Country.' Nick Paton, proud Ngunnawal man, journalist with Koori Mail
'Eclipse is ceremony unfurling around us, the invitation into its sacredness a masterful and generous gift.' Nardi Simpson, award-winning Yuwaalaraay musician and writer
