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June 21, 2013
For Immediate Release
Download PDF Press Release: http://www.spacesgallery.org/files/pr/2013/130620-spaces-kato-pr.pdf
Opening Reception: Friday, August 23, 6:00 ? 9:00 p.m.
On View: August 23 ? October 18, 2013
Admission: FREE and open to the public
Cleveland, OH, June 21, 2013—As she moved from region to region in the U.S. over the past six years, Cleveland-based artist Mimi Kato noticed something strange: an abundance of plant life she recognized from her birthplace in Nara, Japan. Plants like Japanese knotweed and kudzu made new landscapes unexpectedly familiar to her. Over time, Kato learned how these plants are extremely problematic invasive plants in the U.S., disturbing the health and diversity of ecosystems. Kato was fascinated by the fact that plants she knew to be useful became damaging simply by being in the wrong place.
Invasives are non-native plants introduced from elsewhere that quickly take over an area, out-competing native species for root space, water and nutrients. Their removal costs U.S. agriculture and forestry $34 billion in removal and production loss annually.
The cultural complexity of invasives appealed to Kato on a personal level, "I sympathize with them, even though they are subversive to local ecosystems."
Kato wondered what kind of conversation could be opened up in Northeast Ohio if the difficult process of invasive species control was made visible. This summer, as a SPACES World Artist Program (SWAP) resident, Kato is partnering with the Cleveland Metroparks on a participatory art installation located at both the North Chagrin Reservation and at SPACES.
Every year, the Metroparks deals with an average annual 11% ground cover of invasive species per reservation. In August, Kato will follow the invasive plant control team at the North Chagrin Reservation during a single day, as they cut back and spray herbicide on glossy buckthorn. As each plant is removed, Kato will mark the stump with reflective tape. At night time, people walking through the park will see the plant stumps reflecting back at them like animal eyes.
All buckthorn stalks removed that day will have their seeds removed, and be transported to SPACES to be displayed over the course of Kato's exhibition. During the exhibition, Kato will work with the public to brainstorm and experiment with ways to re-use the stalks.
Kato's work at the North Chagrin Reservation and at SPACES will allow audiences to contend with the sheer volume of invasives that threaten ecological health in our region, and the tremendous amount of effort that goes into controlling the damage.
EXHIBITION INFORMATION
Mimi Kato Installation at the North Chagrin Reservation
August 23 - October 18, 2013
3037 SOM Center Road
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Park Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Free and open to the public.
Night visitors are asked to bring their own flashlight or head lamp.
Mimi Kato Installation at SPACES
August 23 - October 18, 2013
2220 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland, OH 44113
Free and open to the public.
EVENTS
Buckthorn Removal Day at the North Chagrin Reservation
Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Rain Dates: Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Volunteers Welcome. Please contact swap@spacesgallery.org if interested in participating.
Talk on Invasive Plants with Mimi Kato and Jennifer Hillmer (Invasive Plant Coordinator, Cleveland Metroparks)
Thursday, September 5, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
SPACES
2220 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland, OH 44113
Keep updated on events a http://www.spacesgallery.org/project/mimi-kato
Visiting SPACES
SPACES is open to the public on Weds-Sat 12-5 PM
SPACES has stops from busses 26 and 71 right out front.
22, 25, 45, and 51 all also stop nearby at West 25 and Detroit.
On view
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