Possibility

RedLine Contemporary Art Center

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 of dissimilar organisms living together 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 in over 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, but 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’ work is inspired by close exchanges that have the prospect for equilibrium. Her work incorporates ideas about interconnection and juxtaposition through both material and theory. In this particular installation titled Possibility, Clowes presents an optimistic visual articulation of the prospect of living with nature symbiotically. Referencing schools of fish, Clowes suspends natural elements (sticks) and human-made objects (flattened utensils) in a flowing, effortless, interrelationship. This installation is a metaphor addressing global warming, our environmental impact, and the joy of thinking about possibilities.

  (1) https://news.vice.com/article/humans-are-destroying-the-environment-at-a-rate-unprecedented-in-over-10000-years, Jenny Chen, January 16, 2105

sticks + utensils / 12’ x 10’