Ownership of Nature

Beautiful Beginning, Whisper of the Heart

Photo transfer, fake foliage, 2022

This piece reveals the commodification of the natural world by showcasing its exclusivity. The artist grew up in Peru and has a distinct memory of dirt, sand, and dust overtaking the surrounding landscape. However, a section of the city was walled off and contained luscious greenery that you could view, for a price. The seclusion of the natural world's beauty is shown by the art being encased in a box that only some can open, giving a similar sentiment to how the artist felt being secluded from the walled-off paradise of green. The piece emphasizes that nature's beauty should be accessible, but it’s not. As the author stated, “Nature has always been present on the Earth, and so we've taken it for granted with the notion that it will always remain there no matter the damage we do to it--a wrongdoing that I'd like to highlight.” -Lila Powell

Boowa Zarcone, and yet still, I grow

Plaster, wires, fake foliage, 2022

The artist was raised to be connected to nature. The importance and love of spending time outside throughout childhood resulted in the view that nature is an “intrinsic aspect of the human experience and that we should respect it as such”. Following self-reflection, the artist felt inspired to depict their relationship with nature when presented with the theme of this exhibit. It is something they find to be “both familiar and reverential”. “It is a part of everything we do, giving us a personal connection to it but also elevating it to a higher status.” The sculpture depicts greenery coming out of a plaster cast of a head. In their depiction, everyone has the right to ownership and access to an innate relationship with nature. While acting as a space of personal connection, the artist believes that being outdoors offers a chance to connect with oneself and the greater world around them. -Allie Mercer