In this set of three 60cm x 60cm 3D tiles, I combine themes of past interest - the containment of nature, protection from sensory antagonists, & evolution - to examine current, dystopic, & utopic interpretations of envrionment. The tiles utilize design as an agent of change. Together, they form a complex narrative of present & speculative future(s).
I aim to offer a set of possible answers to the questions,
what is? and what could be?
Intersections of Symptoms & Systems
Current reality
Dystopic future
Utopic future
Statement - "The closed-loop ecology of nature functions through evolved balance. Mankind sees itself separate from nature. We play God under the guise of unnecessary, paternalistic responsibility. But we are still subject to nature’s balance, & our actions have consequences.
The more we attempt to control nature, the more it fights back. In this work, I examine how our tightening grip on nature leaves us increasingly exposed to environmental hazards.
Currently, our overuse of neatly maintained shrubbery in cities leaves passerby exposed to amplified sunlight, wind, sound, & the elements.
If we address the symptom - a hazardous environment - rather than the source, we may arrive in a dystopia where our continued attempts to control create an uninhabitable surface. If we address the source, release our grip, & re-integrate ourselves in the loop, we may instead arrive in a true utopia of mutualistic care with nature.
It’s a question of systems-thinking over symptom-thinking: which path will we choose?"
Materials: Cardboard, spray paint, yarn, 10mm wire, glue, mylar, photo paper, twist ties, battery powered mini lights.
Process:
Writing brainstorm - current
Writing brainstorm - futures
Mapping & brainstorming
Descriptive planning
Blueprints
Material planning
