Impervious Surface (butterfly milkweed-native to eastern United States), 2023Pebble collected on-site, wire, thermoplastic, fabric95 x 46 x 46 cm (37 x 18 x 18 in)
Impervious Surface is a series of sculptures that explores the impact of human development on the environment, focusing on themes of biodiversity, habitat loss, and the consequences of urbanization. The series features sculptures in the shape of native plants, with texture represent asphalt and gravels. Through the juxtaposition of natural shape with man-made materials, these sculptures symbolize the encroachment of human activities on natural habitats and the aggressive nature of modern development practices.
Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a species of milkweed native to eastern and southwestern North America. It is a critical plant for the survival of Monarch butterflies, as they exclusively feed on its leaves. Monarch butterfly populations have declined by more than 80 percent since the 1990s due in large part to the widespread eradication of milkweed plants.
Impervious Surface (Birds-nest fern- native to Taiwan), 2023
Asphalt, thermoplastic
Dimensions variable
Birds-nest fern and Monarch fern are native to and commonly found in Taiwan. They are often cultivated for indoor plant production and reproduction. However, they are sometimes uprooted from their natural habitat and forced to grow in artificial environments like households or farms for ornamental or economic purposes. This disconnects them from their natural ecosystem and prevents them from interacting with other species.
