Other of Pearl: Re-imagining Relationships with Climate and Biodiversity
The eerie yet beautiful sounds of whales singing is part of an immersive public exhibition on Governors Island, a public park in New York City. Artist and climate activist Jenny Kendler’s exhibition, Other of Pearl, explores the relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing the effect of extraction practices on the climate crisis.
The Exhibition Space
The exhibition, presented by Governors Island Arts and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is set in the historical magazine below Fort Jay. The cavernous space and the sound of whales create an underwater experience for visitors. In collaboration with Project Ceti and David Gruber, the exhibition showcases pearl sculptures cultivated inside oysters alongside antique glass vials of whale oil, an exploited resource. An intriguing installation of bells made from fossilised whale ear bones further enhances the marine theme.
Interacting with the Exhibition
Visitors can interact with the exhibition and sing back to the whales through unique glass instruments broadcasting the recorded sounds of these marine mammals. The exhibition also features a model of Kendler’s nervous system constructed from tiny pearls. She believes that these experiences can help viewers to feel more connected to marine life and the broader ecosystem.
Addressing Climate Crisis
Lauren Haynes, vice president for arts and culture at the Trust for Governors Island, commends Kendler’s use of experimental processes to challenge perceptions and promote awareness of the climate crisis. The exhibition encourages visitors to consider their daily interactions with the environment and potential involvement in climate activism.
Exploring Environmental History
Located in the once-rich and biodiverse New York Harbor ecosystem, Governors Island provides a poignant backdrop for the exhibition. It is a painful reminder of how overconsumption and pollution led to the decline of oysters and almost eradicated whales. Kendler highlights the extractive practices that brought these species to the brink of extinction and the ongoing efforts to restore them. The pearl sculptures from the exhibition will be auctioned to support the Billion Oyster Project, an initiative aimed at restoring New York Harbor’s oyster reefs.
Reflecting on the Island’s Legacy
Kendler also explores the island’s past, previously home to Lenape, early Dutch settlers, and military operations. Now a hub for arts and culture, it will soon host the Center for Climate Solutions. Kendler believes art can help to remediate ecological damage and restore our connection with the environment.
Exhibition Details
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- Other of Pearl, on display at Governors Island, New York, until October 31.
Original Story at www.theartnewspaper.com