Art Exhibition Seeks to Foster Nature Connection

An art exhibition has commenced with the aim of encouraging individuals to re-establish a bond with the natural world. Jeni Cairns and Karen MacKelvie are scheduled to present the Imaginal Field exhibition at Peterborough Museum, running until March 29. Eight artists were commissioned to develop artworks within a five-acre (two-hectare) Fenland field, drawing inspiration from their surroundings. Ms Cairns remarked that viewing her individual pieces within the museum was “special,” and she noted that the other displays demonstrated how artists “listen to the earth.” The aforementioned field was historically cultivated by Ms Cairns’ family before being sown with a diverse wildflower mix. Subsequently, various wildlife species, including kestrels, buzzards, red kites, tawny and little owls, began frequenting the location as the field blossomed. Ms MacKelvie expressed her hope that this initiative, financed by the National Lottery via Arts Council England, could motivate others to reconnect with nature and refrain from exploiting it for personal gain. She stated, “We can do so much just with small little things and then feel more connected.” “We want to take care of [nature] more, but also enjoy it and feel better in ourselves.” Over the course of a year, artists will reside at the field, dedicating their efforts to creating art inspired by the area’s historical background.