Organic Destruction examines instances of environmental change caused by human intervention, facilitated through artworks created using natural and/or repurposed materials. This exhibition invites viewers to consider how objects and materials assist us in telling stories about human politics and philosophies.

Artworks created using materials such as basketballs, global currencies, and industrial steel depict matters of labor costs, connections between labor and geography, and exploitation of resources. Other pieces reimagine the use of discarded objects, utilizing materials such as repurposed wood, scrap metal, and cardboard after they can no longer be used for their initial purpose and have seemingly lost their value.

As viewers experience the artworks on display, there is an opportunity to analyze issues that have affected the natural world throughout time, including climate change, religious politics, food scarcity, governmental neglect, gentrification, animal rights, and more. All of these topics are aspects of human life that have organically arisen from human need and progression, as well as human interest: power, greed, and frivolous dominion of Earth’s wonders. The artworks allow for an internal debate in determining what constitutes necessary versus unnecessary destruction. 

Being able to ask ourselves and others the right questions leads to a better understanding of human nature and the world around us. Collectively, each artist in this show impacts our society because they are already asking questions that have the potential to spark larger conversations. The importance of awareness that these issues exist is superseded by the momentous need to understand the root causes of these issues and the roles we each play in their existence. Sometimes destruction is inevitable, but it is up to us to determine if we’re going to be part of an indefinite demolition or a rebuild.