Mother is the installation that invites you to disconnect in the nature of the United Kingdom
get out of town , leave behind the overwhelming flashes of buildings, while we observe in the rearview mirror how the traces of the metropolis slowly begin to fade... Feel the fresh air through the window , move away from the unbridled rhythm and plunge into absolute silence. This seems to be the new (and necessary) mind break of the current times.
That is why the artists Heather and Ivan Morison of Studio Morison have undertaken this work of art nicknamed Mother at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve , in the United Kingdom. Inaugurated on February 29, this new facility draws attention for its object, since it has been created with the desire to establish a close connection between the natural world and mental health of people.
Studio Morison has undertaken this work of art at Wicken Fen
Inspiration, as in other exhibitions or works of art, found its leitmotif in the literary piece “Nature Cure” , a work in which the writer and naturalist Richard Mabey describes how he has managed to recover from a depression by reconnect with nature and plunge into the dazzling landscapes of the eastern region.
The piece, commissioned by the Wysing Art Center in cambridgeshire , has been carried out within the framework of the "New Geographies" project, an alliance between nine art institutions based on the east side of United Kingdom . The program, in force since 2017, aims to erect different contemporary facilities in that area.
But this work has also had the collaboration of the Arts Council England and The National Trust , a beneficiary entity founded in 1895 that is in charge of caring for, conserving and preserving the heritage of nature as well as outdoor spaces.
In fact, the query (as is) was the following: What places do you feel have been forgotten and do you think are important to highlight? In this way, and after processing the answers, they managed to create a map with more than 270 places of interest that had been forgotten.
ABOUT THE “MOTHER” INSTALLATION
In order to involve local communities, the project carried out by New Geographies asked members of the public to nominate places they found significant and interesting.
Inspiration found its leitmotif in the literary piece “Nature Cure”
From there they embarked on the challenging task of recruit local and international artists with the aim of emphasizing, through contemporary works, the beauty and peculiarity of each of the territories chosen by the public.
However, the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve was one of the victors, for the sublime and fascinating of its surroundings . Though to erect Mother there, Studio Morison teamed up with a group of local artists and artisans that contributed to create a colossal structure that pays tribute to the traditional construction methods of the area.
The design and sculptural form evoke to the concept of a shelter while trying to emulate the Hayricks , a haystack with a relatively large roof, which decades ago were deployed in that area.
The design and sculptural form evoke the concept of a refuge
“A sanctuary is a safe place . The interior form is a tall circular series of struts and supporting structures, a bit like a small secular church. The sun shines through the long openings that emit elongated beams of light and you can feel the wind,” Studio Morison tells Traveler.es about the artwork installed at Wicken Fen.
ACTIVITIES IN “MOTHER”
In turn, the facility will house a series of talks and events that have been designed in collaboration with musicians, writers, artists, activists and naturalists . The intention behind it is to offer a distinctive experience, as well as to immerse volunteers in surprising readings, elements of hospitality and literary conversations.
On March 28, the “Mother Earth” day , which will try to approach the concept of the wild and the resurgence of the swamp, with guest speakers, sounds and hospitality. "Mother's Love", April 25 , will aim to explore the disconnect between modern life and the natural world; And finally, “Patria”, on May 23, will draw a line between cultural activities and the communities of origin.
The facility will host a series of talks and events in the coming months
ABOUT STUDIO MORISON
The artists, originally from Turkey and founders of their namesake studio in 2003, have exhibited internationally, including individual projects in Tate Modern, Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, Vancouver Art Gallery, National Theater Wales, South London Gallery and have represented Wales in the Venice Biennale.
They are currently working on a new library of tales on the leeds canal in liverpool , a public greenhouse, a landscape for a school, and civic spaces within communities, developing an affordable and sustainable model for artist housing.
The installation invites stop, reflect and experiment a moment of pause in a wild and idyllic natural environment. If you want to visit it, keep in mind that Mother will be open to the public until October 2020.
Mother will be open to the public until October 2020