terrestrial aether

Foraging and categorizing observations from surroundings in the Pacific Northwest transpired into how I process discomfort in an unfamiliar landscape. Materials I’ve collected over the last two years are natural ephemera from wandering, discarded commercially made objects, and traditional craft materials. The components installed in Terrestrial Aether are undergoing treatments of preservation and decay. These object transformations mimic temporal physicality and kinetic stirrings, two features evident in life. ​How can we begin to perceive divergent understandings of the universe, to transform it into a connection with others? Animism was potentially the first expression of religion, allowing humanity to acknowledge being part of a harmonious network with all creation. This theory accepts spiritual essence is not only within humans, but all creatures, objects, and geographic phenomena.

Through an eschatological view of animism, I investigate disintegration and spirituality. In this project I’ve created an environment identifying cyclical life in nature as a liaison between realms-- giving value to human experience and earthly ecosystems. This installation is a portal for equanimity based upon contemplation of faith, to aspire for peace while on an inescapable path to decay. Upon research of mycorrhizal and nervous systems, I reimagine the potential for awareness, connection, and change in an evolving world. Objects are activated through voluntary movement from the air flow, while scent amplifies the experience outside of the physical. This space has indications of debris, living in harmony with an unknown organism linking everything together. These objects are clues to attempt to understanding of the beginning, end, or cyclicity of existence.

life

decay / death

birth / rebirth

linen, wool, industrial cord

other views

 all images taken by mario gallucci