Reciprocal Ecology

Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

Reciprocal Ecology explores the varied ways that photographers form cyclical relationships with the natural world. Through a range of exploratory decisions (examining, infusing, submerging, transforming, inhaling, dissecting, and imbuing) each artist delves into their connection differently. Some let nature take full control, while others have a give-and-take dialogue. 

 In each iteration, there is trust. The artmaking takes place in the space between an artistic vision and a surrender to the landscape, waterways, and fauna. By using literal and metaphorical ecological markers, the natural world provides a visual foundation for inquiry.

 The exhibition looks to explore ideas of self-discovery, relationship, and experimentation, while recognizing the reciprocity of the world as we move through it.

Community Engagement Events

 The goal of these events is to bring audiences past the exhibition space Reciprocal Ecology, and into the spaces where our own artists discover inspiration, find new materials, and build new ideas.

Billy Hickey, Artist-in-Residence of Mount Auburn Cemetery, will lead two nature walks through the cemetery’s abundant flora. One walk will focus on aural investigation, listening to the native birds of Boston’s cityscape. The other will take place in the dawn of frogapocalypse, where seasonal temperature changes create a influx of tadpole hatchings and frog mating.

 Artist Jordanna Kalman will produce a one-of-a-kind nature installation in the neighboring space to the gallery (TBD). Kalman’s artwork often embodies the practice of leaving her prints and imagery to the “elements” – among her bird feed, in the shadows of a dying plant, or under a decaying snake. This durational installation will last the length of the exhibition, with period social media updates to the decaying and change status of the artwork.

 Artist Camilla Jerome will bring the audience to the seashore of Nahant, MA, where Camilla will provide a workshop on the photographic process of cyanotyping on objects, such as she does in her own body of work, “Sometimes I’m Above Water but Mostly I’m At Sea”.