Proposal Abstract

I am proposing to exhibit selections from ‘Inversion’, a body of both traditional and experimental print work that explores themes of environmental precariousness, societal collapse, and the current anxieties regarding the sustainability of the ecosystem and humanity. These five projects speculate the future of Earth by imaging the world: if the Anthropocene reaches its predicted negative climax of uninhabitable global warming, shrinking biodiversity, and unsustainable human consumption. I am open to the jury selecting which projects would be suitable given the available exhibition spaces/venues.

‘Inversion’, is a 4’ x 5’ etching on rice paper that subverts traditional conventions of panoramic landscapes and scientific diagrams. The print depicts the potentially damaging and complex relationship between natural resource extraction and the landscape. ‘Inversion’ can be mounted directly on a wall using water-soluble rice glue. ‘In the Dust’ and ‘Absolute Zero’ are two series of 20” x 16” etchings (five prints per series for a total of ten) that imagine the Earth after the extinction of human civilisation. Surreal landscapes mix together references to the body, architectural ruins, and geological formations. The prints can be hung in frames or with magnets.

There are two experimental print-based new media works for consideration. ‘Retrograde’ is a hybrid bioArt/print-based installation which involves growing bacteria and mould on etchings embedded in cultured Petri dishes. The bacteria and moulds that grow are swabbed from harmless sources and represent the organisms projected to survive if a mass extinction occurs due to extreme climate change. ‘Retrograde’ can be displayed on a plinth (size variable) or shelves attached to a wall. Accompanying ‘Retrograde’ is a projection that documents the lifespan of the Petri dishes through time-lapse video. The two-channel video shows Petri dishes in perpetual loops of incubation, growth and decay.

The video can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1e_oJuS_OHRm7hAkUx9YxaFD6O2vKwg1N