Landing East-West Cycle

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Humorous as a purported alien-landing site, Landing: East-West Cycle, references history of import/export trading, migratory occurrences and fascination with alien/exotic life. Constructed with Indian jute, the installation temporarily demarcates a sizable wooded region of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Over 400 shipping bags form three 30’ diameter circles pinned to the forest floor. Trees protrude from the triangular configuration that’s positioned in a far-reaching blanket of grass. Commonly know as Japanese stilt grass, Microstegium Vinineum, is the most invasive plant species in North America. This installation’s use of jute suppresses the stilt grass. Over time, the jute biodegrades, giving indigenous plants a chance to grow — only to be invaded again.

The conceptual development of Landing: East-West Cycle draws reference from the 1919 discovery that placed Japanese stilt grass as an invasive species to Tennessee. The start of the infestation traces back to common packing material of the time –dried Japanese Stilt Grass (with seeds). Since then, the grass has spread to at least 16 states. In 1960, Pennsylvania became a host.

Landing: East-West Cycle, was apart of group show “Extinct Extant”, a part of University of Pennsylvania Institute of Contemporary Art’s, “The Big Nothing”, in collaboration with the Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education, and Philadelphia Sculptors, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.