biome: forrest

Forrest was a unique partnership between multiple species, an opportunity for collaboration, and an invitation for you to be part of something special.  

Part of biome: experiments in radical kinship, a year-long residency programme in the Artsadmin Canteen from artist, writer, and human ecologist Zoë Laureen Palmer. 

This tiny urban biome within the Artsadmin Canteen provided a sanctuary for rest and regeneration and acted as an experiment in how we might give and receive mutual care with the more than human living world. forrest was populated by a diverse range of plants, mosses, micro-organisms and seeds and welcomed visitors to find peace and tranquillity within its embrace, guided by a soundtrack from artist Keir vine.

forrest invited us to explore our entanglement with mosses and plants, whose ancestors have inhabited the earth for over 145 million years. The ancient cyanobacteria Spriulina rested within forrest whilst its nutrients were cycled back into its ever-evolving eco system of over 40 known plant and moss species, 60 individual plants and thousands of unknowns. Visitors to forrest contributed to its diverse ecosystem through misting these plants and mosses.

With the exception of lilies and orchids salvaged from the discounted dying houseplant racks in a major retail space, the plants, mosses and algae in the forrest were all gifted, pruned or propagated by Zoë to highlight the way in which plants continue to lie at the heart of the unsustainable movement and commodification of living species across the globe. 

In times of ecosystem collapse and unprecedented biodiversity loss, forrest asked what more will it take for us to afford rest and regeneration to the dying living world of which we are all a part.

Forrest visions is a sonic meditation exploring the entanglement of grief, loss, enchantment and transformation in relationship with our living, dying world. Visitors to forrest were encouraged to experience this piece whilst resting within the space.