I came back from the exhibition opening of Green Nation at Artisan in Fortitude Vally with a strong desire to write about what I had seen. The concept of bringing nature into the gallery space (and by extension into the home), is one that really appeals to the tree hugger in me. Although I don't think that you have to be a tree hugger to like this idea. In fact, I think it is something that we urban dwellers can all find a use for.
The exhibition itself houses a diverse collection of artworks. You'll find anything from matchbox size villages sprouting shoots to gel-filled lightbulbs synthesising life in miniature, from a turfscape covered in artificial grass, to Melbourne made Edible Islands – large planters for people with rooftops and other small urban spaces (which also double as seats).
Personally, I love anything that makes me feel closer to nature and to the earth in which we live. I really do believe that we need to take time out to get in touch with our roots and feel that sense of connection to the universe and all it provides. Having living plants inside the house for example is known to increase oxygen levels and we all grow up learning about the importance of forests to decrease carbon monoxide levels.
Plus there's a great satisfaction that comes with having a green thumb (or trying to anyway). Having lived in either an apartment or townhouse for the past few years, I've never managed to expand my gardening operations beyond the front door. However, I would say that the herbs and veggies I have dabbled in have given me a great sense of contentment through watching them grow bigger day by day. Satisfaction that is, until a giant hord of locusts or man-eating aphids come along and pillage your little village. Doing battle with the bugs does require persistence.
Still, turning our concrete jungle into a small slice of paradise doesn't have to be all work and no play. One piece in the exhibition that really stood out to me was the wine stained garment which grows larger simply by spilling your drink onto it. Yes that's right the garment GROWS with the help of alcohol. This happens via a complex fermentation process that was beyond the comprehension of my non-scientific mind. However what I did manage to grasp was that the type of wine determines the colour of the garment (red wine creates a reddish tone and white wine a crème coloured garment).
I wonder if this is where fashion may be heading in the future? Imagine a shirt made in this way.... Holes in your t-shirt? Not to worry, just drink a little more wine and make sure you spill some on that worn patch. Alcohol would leave you with so much more than just a hangover.
So I really do believe that nature has a lot to offer in terms of improving our quality of life. And learning how to incorporate nature more into our daily lives is part of this process.
I can report that as of this moment, our lettuces are about ready for harvest, the cucumber vine has got a grip on the fence railing and the parsley is growing more quickly than we can eat it. And just this morning I mixed up a foul brew of oil, detergent and garlic, in preparation for doing battle with the aphids.
Green Nation is on at Artisan in the Valley until 21 December. Entry is free.
http://www.artisan.org.au/index.php/component/content/105?task=view
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