FESTIVAL 2026

Eclipse

by Kirli Saunders

Allen & Unwin

FESTIVAL 2026

Eclipse

by Kirli Saunders

Allen & Unwin

Synopsis

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 Beyoncé 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, an award-winning multidisciplinary artist. She is the author of nine books including celebrated Bindi (Magabala) and Afloat (Hardie Grant). Saunders is a writer for ABC’s Playschool. She is a renowned visual artist working in public art with Fremantle and Sā Biennales, Google, Sydney Opera House and NSW Health. Her solo show Yandha Djanbay took to Merrigong’s mainstage in 2026 and will present at a major Sydney venue in 2027. Saunders forms one half of Cooee who released their debut album, Messengers (2026). 

Read more about Kirli Saunders

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