Do not demolish the load bearing walls, 2023
Installation, ~200cm x 200cm
Wood, soil, live plants, chalk.
Installation, ~200cm x 200cm
Wood, soil, live plants, chalk.
Just like nature, from time to time people need cleansing and renewal. Growing plants in “beds” developed on the bases of old walls is a revival ritual for the beginning of a new stage. Though first, it is necessary to get rid of the weight of the past, and the excersize of constructing flower beds/walls should contribute to this.
The installation is based on the architectural plan of one of the floors of the artist’s parents’ house, where she grew up. Wooden floor structures repeat the arrangement of the walls in the house on a reduced scale. Walls act as a kind of vessel for a growing child: it contains all the big and small events at home, substantial and incignificant interactions between family members, forever leaving a mark and influencing the formation of personality.
Two types of plants can be found in the flowerbeds:
1. Healing herbs such as mint, which boosts the immune system; basil, which lowers the blood pressure; aloe, which accelerates wound healing; cabbage, which is good for digestion; begonia, which is used as a treatment of respiratory infections; sedum, which treats pain and inflammation; hebe that is used as a treatment for dysentery or diarrhoea; and others.
2. Weeds, usually unwanted in one’s garden and removed.
Growing up we often notice the character traits or features we took from our relatives. Some we find more appealing than others that we sometimes struggle with or are ashamed of. But just like weeds, with due attention, effort and acceptance, many of the "bad" qualities turn out to be our unique characteristics that we begin to appreciate.
The installation was part of the ‘Rituels’ exhibition in POUSH, Aubervilliers, in autumn 2023.
Photographs by Fedora Akimova & l'atelier des artistes en exil.
