Art in the Grove
Exhibition
Exhibition Overview
Art in the Grove
Saralyn Reece Hardy, curator
August 25, 2018–November 26, 2018
Marvin Grove and Spencer Museum of Art Lawn, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Taken from the Hindi word “hugging” and referencing the 1973 Mandal village women environmental protest to save trees within their forest, Chipko will link this history to Marvin Grove’s original planting by Chancellor James Marvin and his efforts to create a space for shade, respite, and regard for the continuity of living things. Five unique wooden benches will “hug” five trees in Marvin Grove that are visible from the Spencer Museum of Art’s west-facing windows. The benches will be painted with eco-friendly phosphorescent paint that will glow at night. Accompanying several of the benches will be an audio work expanding on the notion of interconnectedness between the natural world and the human-made world. The speakers and technology associated with the audio will be in a water-proof and solar-powered container designed to sense the presence of a viewer and to play a looping composition. Chipko is an engaging, interactive, multi-faceted experience for people of all ages. It’s an experience that promotes questions, conversation, and exploration. Artists: Judith G. Levy, Jason Zeh, and David Ross
