Curating Nature

 

Pairing of two individual works inviting introspection on human actions, behaviours, choices made when curating our lives - can and do have environmental consequences. 

 

‘Perfect Blue’ a lens-based layered image composition of the iconic hydrangea with textile overlay of a scanning electron microscopic image (SEM) examples a popular plant species, ancient in origin that now has over 600 cultivars, many of which are genetically modified to be sterile for greater economic profitability in meeting consumer demand for showy plants. Non fertile plants don’t produce pollen or seed - an environmental disaster for pollinators such as birds, bees and insects. 

 

As humans we're attracted to 'bigger is better', just as we are to 'more is better’. While perfecting longer lasting sterile blossoms devastating for pollinators, we are simutaneously cultivating a global garden of trash. ‘Dollarama Dharma’ aka 'Future Landfill', an assemblage of repurposed dollar store objects, cheap colourful eye candy eventually destined for landfills. Floral and mandala-like references speak to the religiosity of human desire that manifests itself through consumption and consumer culture.  

 

Perfect Blue

Layered dye-sublimated Textile

72” x 48” x 2"

Original SEM image by Erwin Huebner

erwinhuebner.com

 

Dollarama Dharma

Assemblage of repurposed common dollar store sourced objects

72” 48” x 2”