Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate
On view at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods.
May 7, 2021 – August 22, 2021
21850 N. Riverwoods Rd. Riverwoods, IL.
https://www.smithnaturesymposium.org/third-coast-disrupted-virtual-reception.html
N. Masani Landfair
“Breathing to the Next Breath”
10 x 10 feet
For Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate. https://www.thirdcoastdisrupted.org
Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate
Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate is an exhibition of newly commissioned artworks culminating a yearlong conversation between artists and scientists centered on climate change impacts and solutions in the Chicago region.
Through science-inspired sculpture, painting, collage and more, the artworks examine local impacts — happening here and now — ranging from extreme heat to flooding to habitat loss, and more. They also shine light on local solutions underway, like “cool roofs,” nature-based approaches to slowing stormwater, and backyard habitat restoration. Some imagine future possibilities.
Third Coast Disrupted is based on the notion that art can connect and engage with people on an emotional level. It can pique curiosity, be unexpected, tactile, interactive, evocative, and memorable. It can slow people down, inspire them to reflect, move them to talk to each other — and spur them to act.
Curatorial Team: Project Director & Lead Curator, Christine Esposito; Science Curator, Liam Heneghan; Art Curator, Lisa Roberts; Senior Consultant, Meg Duguid
Participating artists: Jeremy Bolen, Barbara Cooper, Hector Duarte, Rosemary Holliday Hall, N. Masani Landfair, Meredith Leich, Andrew S. Yang
Participating scientists: Elena Grossman, MPH; Daniel Horton, Ph.D.; Abigail Derby Lewis, Ph.D.; Aaron Packman, Ph.D.; Katherine Moore Powell, Ph.D.; Desi Robertson-Thompson, Ph.D.; Phil Willink, Ph.D.
Breathing (silent invasion). Photographs of the flooded basement, cut up and reassembled into an abstract form that follows the shape of the water stain on the found piece of wood. Conveys the idea of the stain of black mold growing, distorting invisibly in the walls of your home. Looks normal on the outside but inside, this stain that’s affecting or will affect your life in so many ways.
Breath (healing). Conveying the artist’s efforts to reorganize her life and heal after prolonged mold exposure. Images of mold and actual mold spores (sealed in clear gel for safety) pervade the piece. At the center, an image of mold spores, mirroring the images of mold encircling the wood collages. On either side of that, actual mold spores. The white, clinical effect achieved with medical tape and the backs of torn-up water-damaged posters. The red line representing lifeline, blood, living, breathing.
To the next (acceptance). A smaller version of the large mold image that encircles the three collages. At the center, a photo of the artist’s flooded basement floor with the reflection of a sunlit basement window on the water. The red lines again reference breathing, lifeblood.
The wetter weather of our changing climate wreaks havoc on Chicago’s communities by worsening flooding in them.
N. Masani Landfair knows this reality intimately. Breathing to the Next Breath reflects her personal experiences with living in a chronically flooded home on the South Side. She relates the mental and physical tolls through a series of found-object collages, especially examining the insidiousness of mold and its lingering effects on home and health.”
Previously shown: Glass Curtain Gallery. Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate
September 8 – February 19, 2021 https://www.instagram.com/columbiadeps/
Programming
Note: All programming for Third Coast Disrupted will take place online.
Click here for full program descriptions.
