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Michelle Mayer: Departure/Return

Presented by Wally Workman Gallery at Wally Workman Gallery

April 2-April 30, 2011

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This show addresses how, as we accept and adapt to constant change in the technologies that connect us, we are forever reminded of the official narrative that this is revolutionary progress; humanity is moving forward. Yet paradoxically, no amount of devastating environmental catastrophes via 24-hour news feeds has proven sufficient to hold our diminishing collective attention. We as a species, even now, are still struggling to understand the changes that face us as a result of our impact on the world.

Mayer is interested in shifting attention to a more empathetic existence, where we re-learn how to hear what the quiet, often un-noticed voices in our environment are saying about this moment. In her work she aims to create spaces that act on peoples attention and speak to them in a new way.

Mayer takes inspiration from the misunderstood role of fungi in an ecosystem. Mycelium, the vegetative state of mushrooms, act similarly to a neural network within the forest floor, sharing nutrients and water between plants sentiently as they decompose organic compounds, and heal their surroundings. They are Nature's great processors, infusing all landscapes on this planet. These rhizomatic organisms, which have become a primary thread in this body of work, illuminate decay as an integral part of life and emphasize the interconnectedness of every living being within the system. Death can be viewed as a generous act of surrendering energy back to the system.

Through interactive installation, sculpture, video, performance and layered drawings Mayer develops a new and keen perceptual awareness of the way we connect to the natural world. Using new communication technologies combined with natural and man-made materials, she creates objects and tools for passage between dimensions of physical and spiritual states of being, positing this reconnection to nature as a foundation for healing and understanding our place within the Earth's ecosystems.