The Norwegian-born artist Nina K Ekman explores in the textile-based exhibition Tree Hunters humanity's complex relationship with nature, with a particular focus on the harmful consequences of deforestation and overconsumption.
Nina K Ekman's works are characterized by continuously challenging materials, techniques, and formats beyond traditional textile art. She intensely works with tufting, embroidery, crocheting, and painting, seeking to break free from conventional boundaries. Ekman's palm and cactus works are particularly recognizable in the art scene and entirely their own, and she has become known for creating tufted sculptures, installations that stand out with unique visual expressions and perspectives on our relationship with nature and the ecosystems we share the planet with. The aim is to celebrate the strength and beauty of plants and nature through plant portraits while Ekman reflects on our anthropocentric approach to nature.
The works reflect the cycle of life and death and remind us of our interconnectedness as well as the dilemmas and paradoxes of modern life and the urgent need to preserve our planet's ecosystems. At the same time, the soft, cuddly cacti and living palm sculptures also constitute comforting utopias.
For the exhibition in Formats gallery space, Ekman has created a monumental wall-to-floor installation portraying the greedy "tree hunter" monster. The sculpture is made using surplus yarn and tufting techniques. The installation is flanked by a series of large double-sided colored embroideries and tufted plant sculptures.
All the works revolve around the consequences of human greed and our longstanding environmental exploitation, including of our forests.
Ekman's work challenges traditional perceptions of embroidery by combining it with textile dyeing, punch needle techniques, thus creating a more playful form of embroidery. This fusion redefines the place of embroidery within visual arts and offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of craft and artistic expression. Sustainability is a central value in her practice. Approximately 95% of the yarn used is surplus yarn from the textile industry.
With Tree Hunters, Nina K Ekman invites reflection and dialogue on urgent environmental issues and invites visitors to consider their consumption habits and the necessity of better environmental management.
Source:
Format Artspace
Format Artspace