Symbiotic Forest

Symbiotic Forest presents the work of Scott Bluedorn, Saskia Friedrich, Jeremy Grosvenor, Sissel Kardel, Amanda Krische and Mamoun Nukumanu Friedrich-Grosvenor. A study in time scales of human-forest interactions, Symbiotic Forest asks the questions: What does it mean to live symbiotically with the land? Is there a way to ensure the relationship is positive rather than parasitic? Symbiosis is a biological term that describes the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity to each other, to the advantage of both, but climate change and unfettered development are irrevocably changing the ancient forests of Upstate, NY. 

The sculptures, paintings and long durational performance installations that will be shown range from pieces that will live for decades on the land to those that will decompose over the course of a summer. All of the work is created specifically in collaboration with or influenced by the more-than-human world in a conversation between artist and land.

The concept for this show centers around the work of Mamoun Nukumanu Friedrich-Grosvenor whose living sculpture, ‘Sky Pentacle’ was recently permanently installed on the land. The artist describes Sky Pentacle as “A portal to the tree realm. In this realm time dissolves and the brain flows upwards through microtubules to be released as rain. Willow cuttings rescued from a bioenergy farm are woven and tied together. After the willow has established, it is grafted, evolving over time into a single tree with many roots.” 

Symbiotic Forest will be open to the public from July 21st-24th from 12-4pm, with a special artist’s reception highlighting the work of performance artist Amanda Krische. There will be botanical elixirs served by Elizabeth Blake of Plants Bar.