Constellation 2026
The concept for this installation draws inspiration from Canadian forest ecologist Suzanne Simard. Her life work has called into question the old paradigm of the forest being a cacophony of competing species, and also questions forestry clear cutting practices in favor of a more nuanced human impact on large swaths of woodlands. Through in situ experiments, she has demonstrated the symbiotic relationship of trees with fungi in what is commonly known as the Wood Wide Web: the underground network of mycorrhizal fungi that supports and promotes exchanges of nutrient, minerals and water between trees. This network allows the oldest and biggest trees, coined the Mother Trees, to identify their kin and nurture their seedlings, as well as the larger forest community.
Exchanges of carbon and chemical signals indicate that trees do indeed communicate with one another and even send distress signals about diseases. Much of this takes place through the underground fungal mycelium network. The mushrooms and truffles found in the forest are the fruiting bodies of this network. Simard's work echoes First Peoples’ knowledge about the balance of natural forces.
These ideas have informed the design and flow of my installation. The overall configuration alludes to landscape plot plans and includes a large “Mother” shape and various other shape sizes. Organic fruiting bodies overlay this design, inspired by various mycorrhizal fungi that are known to have symbiotic relationships with trees around the globe. These clusters of colorful forms disperse across the gallery wall as if connected by an unseen network within the walls, raising awareness of how each of us is entangled in the web of life.