Watching the [Grass] Grow

Watching the [Grass] Grow is a living installation exploring the diverse shades of [grass] in the context of climate breakdown. The installation consists of a laboratory garden and an archive. ‘Natural’ and ‘artificial’ grasses are planted in anti-root cloth bags and undergo experiments to uncover how climatic conditions and human desire are reflected in the various colours of grass. The experiments and their results are photographed every day, in order to document changes in the grass’ colour over time. The project builds upon the concept of '[colour] species' by artist duo Cooking Sections, which highlights how colours flow through different bodies due to industrial processes and consumer desire. By proposing [grass] as a [colour] species itself, the project examines the interconnectedness of species, environments, industries, and human desires. It aims to reflect on the influence of industries and colour perception on our ability to recognise the impact of climate breakdown in everyday life.   

  
This project was made possible by Graszodenkopen.nl and Barenbrug.  

Drought in Europe
Satellite photo of Terschelling on the 26th of May 2018
Satellite photo of Terschelling on the 26th of May 2018

Because of climate breakdown the colour of the land is changing. In 2018 Wageningen University and Research observed that Terschelling became 37% less green in just one month time.This browning of vegetation such as grasses is not just a cosmetic change, it is a survival mechanism. By shriveling up and stopping the production of the green pigment chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis, grasses try to retain moist and stop unnecessary growth. This process is indicative of a changing climate and a species struggling to survive.

Indoor Installation
Indoor Installation
Dissections of various [grass] species
Dissections of various [grass] species
Morris watering and working in the courtyard
Morris watering and working in the courtyard

How are industries responding to this changing appearance of the land? What efforts are being done in order to keep the grass green? And what does this reveal about how we've learned to perceive colours and our relation with nature?

Person painting the grass green
A person painting the grass green with Rust-o-leum Renovator Grass Color Refresh