‘What does nature tell us?’ exhibition

An exhibition as part of my MA Art in Science. From 09.05.24 until 16.05.24.
John Lennon School of Arts and Design (2 Duckingfield Street, Liverpool, L3 5RD).

What does nature tell us?

Window collage (screen printed film with artist's photographs).

On the work presented, human connection with nature is explored in the context of Hilbre Island through photography, mixed media artworks, eco-poetry construction, sound, and a display of ‘poetic curiosities’ inspired by my interest in the wonders brought and shaped by nature - inviting to think how do they shape us as well.

In the midst of climate change and environmental depletion around the world, the question that this exhibition poses has never been more relevant: ‘What does nature tell us?’, to find out the answer we are required to look at nature closely and deeply and be open to engage about what nature means as well what an island means either physically or conceptually speaking.

Audio recordings: sounds of the island and oral histories

The following playlist showcases a series of recorded oral histories from local people to the area of Hilbre Island as well as sounds of the island. These aim to give a feel about this natural space as well as some insights about human connection with nature. As the project evolves I am aiming to record more interviews to locals as well as more sounds of Hilbre through the changing seasons.

Photography

The selection of photographs presented here showcase a close look at Hilbre Island. The aim is to portray the journeying to the island, which can take many different paths. I also aim to convey different feelings in relation to the observations throughout this journey. What is underneath our feet during the trips to the island? How the surrounds look like, which lands are nearby? How do we relate to what we are seeing?
The sound recordings aim to complement these.

Mixed media artworks

The artworks part of this exhibition are of an exploratory kind, they are aimed to open up visual conversations about what the landscape means or looks like. They are not conclusive but rather, organic and evolving.

In these works I question notions such as cartography, landscape boundaries (where does the land meet the sea?, where does our understanding of land and sea begin?), notions of identity in relation to nature (do we conceive ourselves as part of nature, if so, how does this intimate relationship can look like? (see artworks ‘Natural Identity I, II and III).

‘A Rift in Time’ a poetic cabinet of curiosities

Wonder, as Albert Camus wrote, is like ‘a systole in the heart’. What matters is not out there but deep within, at our vital emotional center. As the historian Michel de Certeau has written, ‘an absence of meaning opens a rift in time’.
That experience, is like the ground opening before one’s feet.

NOTE: all natural elements present in these display cases will be returned to Hilbre Island after the exhibition. Exhibiting them here alongside the poetry was of great importance, with the purpose of bringing nature closer to people. I felt the need of showcasing the natural elements with their textures and visual complexities along with the poetry unravelling the unseen aspects of these.

Behind the Scenes and Process Documentation

On this display I present my process of documenting the island and some of the techniques used to create the artworks.

The ‘Island’ for Eco-Poetry Constructions

On this central display or ‘conceptual island’ the visitor is invited to participate in eco-poetry constructions. Visitors can either decide to engage with the work on display before participating in the poetry constructions or after viewing the work.
This way, preconceptions and ideas about nature can either be weaved through or added onto the dialogue with the artwork and photographs. Observation, imagination and an open attitude to read nature in a non-linear way are some of the aspects that this section of the exhibition aims to embrace and nurture.