Symbiotic Relationships
Symbiotic Relationships | Cottonwood Sticks + Silverware | 36 × 120 × 84 in (3 × 10 × 7 ft)
In 2009, a group of 28 scientists from around the world came together to create the “planetary boundaries framework,“ which identified nine processes required to maintain life on Earth. Humans have surpassed the safe threshold for four of these boundaries. (1)
Symbiosis describes the state in which dissimilar organisms live in intimate association or close union. Symbiotic relationships provide mutual benefits; however, such equitable harmony between nature and humans is arguably out of balance today. Facts show that the environment is being destroyed at a rate unprecedented over the past 10,000 years. Some point out that “the environment is not really being 'destroyed' in the sense that the dirt and rocks are just fine; rather, humans are negatively impacting Earth’s biosphere.” The consequences of this degradation are so severe it threatens civilization.
Rather than dwelling on this ominous danger, Clowes’s work is inspired by close exchanges that have the prospect for equilibrium. Her work incorporates ideas of interconnection and juxtaposition through both material and theoretical means. In this particular installation, titled Symbiotic Relationships, Clowes presents an optimistic visual articulation of the prospect of living symbiotically with nature. Referencing schools of fish, Clowes suspends natural elements (sticks) and human-made objects (flattened utensils) in flowing, effortless interrelationship. This installation is a metaphor that addresses global warming, our environmental impact, and the joy of imagining possibilities.
1) https://news.vice.com/article/humans-are-destroying-the-environment-at-a-rate-unprecedented-in-over-10000-years, Jenny Chen, January 16, 2005
