Artwork Coincidence This artwork involved an unexpected interaction with a canine’s presence
Portfolio Entry
Before starting my environmental artwork, I planned to collaborate with animals.
Artwork Details
Title:
Coincidence
Year:
2024
Medium (Type of Art):
environmental art
Unique Feature:
this artwork involved an unexpected interaction with a canine’s presence, the materials used in this artwork will naturally decompose over time
Medium (Materials):
coco coir pellets, holes dug by a dog
Dimensions (International):
180×88 centimeters
Dimensions (British and US):
70.87×34.65 inches
Venue:
Landschaftspark Rietzer Berg, Kloster Lehnin, Brandenburg, Germany
Setting:
Kunst-Eremitage’s artist residency, Landschafts- und Kunstverein Rietzer Berg
Ethical Statement
This artwork features untouched dog-dug holes, celebrating natural animal behaviors without appropriating them.
Part of a Research Cluster
This artwork is part of the Coincidental Creatures research cluster, which explores the intersections between artistic practice and living beings. To learn more about the ongoing research and related works, please visit the Research Cluster page.
Establishing Context
Before starting my environmental artwork, I planned to collaborate with animals.
One day, a big dog came into my area and dug some holes in the soil. It was unexpected, and I had to figure out how to handle the holes. Then, I realized the dog’s actions were the starting point I needed to foster a collaborative artwork with animals.
I decided to include the dog holes in my last artwork there. I put around the hole 150 coco coir pellets. They are tablets one can use to let seeds grow before planting new plants in the soil. The pellets change shape after they drown in water.
The dog who dug the holes used to drink and bathe in the pond at the bottom of my venue. So I took the water from the pond. I watered the pellets. The pellets grow, fostering new seeds for a collaborative future between animals and humans.
I titled the artwork “Coincidence,” My encounter with the dog felt like a coincidence, providing a timely opportunity for collaboration.