Jason Phu

frog band plays in a frog pub to small frogs in the frog swamp at the beginning of time, 2023

Introduction

Jason Phu is an artist who lives and works on Gadigal Country, Sydney. Phu who works across a variety of mediums, including printmaking, painting and performance. In his practice, Phu references folk talks, family history and jokes, with his work often including imagery from cartoons and Chan paintings.

Phu has presented a mixed media installation as part of The National 2023, exhibited at Carriageworks. This artwork brings together an ancient story with a modern, humourist twist. The work tells the story of the frog’s first song, exploring themes of hope and friendship as a chorus of frogs come together in a joyous song. One frog calls into the darkness and is slowly joined in song by other frogs.  The story teaches us that even in dark times, we can come together with song, dance or stories, which can help us connect, feel safe and remind us we are not alone.

Inquiry questions

  • What sounds do frogs make?
  • What would a frog’s song sound like? Is it fast or slow? Is it loud or soft?
  • What do you think the frogs in this work are singing about?
  • Do you sing with your friends or family? What activities do you do together that make you feel happy or joyful?

Creative learning activity

Materials

  • Audio of a variety of frog sounds
  • Your body
  • Everyday objects

Process

  1. Work together with your peers to create a percussion version of the frogs’ first song.
  2. Begin by listening to audio clips of a variety of frog’s natural calls.
  3. In groups of 5-6, work together using your voices, body percussion or objects to create a repetitive sound that mimics one of the frog’s natural calls.
  4. Share your sound with your class.
  5. Bring the sounds together by layering each group’s call. Each group takes turns making their sounds, with other groups slowly joining in. Continue the layering until all sounds are being made simultaneously.

Extension

  • Use instruments and a layering app such as Keezy to create a recording of the frogs’ first song.

  • Retell ‘The Frog’s First Song’ from the perspective of another character in the story. Write a short story from their perspective. 

Reflection

  • How did the music change as each sound or instrument was added?
  • What words would you use to describe the music you created?
  • How was the class’ music like the natural call of frogs? How was it different?
  • What did you feel as you listened to the music we created together?
  • How did you find writing from another character’s perspective?