Communia omnia:
That Which Belongs to All
Winner of the 2025 Brenda Clouton Memorial Arts Scholarship
Communia Omnia contemplates nature as a self-sustaining, recursive system, where life, spirit, and decomposition are interconnected within a continuous cycle. The ephemeral installation merges organic and digital elements to reveal complex patterns that echo across scales, from microscopic structures to cosmic formations.
Inspired by Peter Oppenheimer’s exploration of fractals, it embraces uncertainty as an inherent part of nature’s complexity, reminding us that while we can interpret natural patterns, we can never fully grasp their entirety. Featuring three altars—life, spirit, and decomposition—the work reflects Benoit Mandelbrot’s idea "nature is not merely a collection of isolated objects, but a vast, self-organizing system." The life pillar, adorned with plants, symbolizes growth; the spirit pillar bridges life and decay through a dried rose and its 3D scan; and the decomposition pillar, featuring leaves being drained of their “chlorophyll”, celebrates the beauty of decay and transformation.
Communia Omnia invites viewers to honour the interconnectedness of nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for its complex systems. It underscores the idea that our engagement with nature is an ongoing process of exploration, where mystery and uncertainty are not obstacles but essential elements of a deeper, more meaningful connection with the world around us.
Organic material, recycled objects, 3D scan, Chlorophyll prints (Giant Taro Leaf, Nasturtium leaf, Calla Lily Leaf), 3D scan, microscope