Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen
Sat 6 Aug – Sat 15 Oct
This is the final installation in a four-part series, which has been exploring different types of flora, in particular, the types of flora that grow where water meets land. Anne-Mid Melis drew inspiration from the River Towy and the riparian zone, which is the area where a body of water meets the earth. Her pieces have tried to capture the plant life that grows along the riverbank and how it survives in the less than favourable location.
This delicate balance between the life and death of the flora, perched precariously on the riverbank, creates questions about both the plants’ nature and the balance of mother nature, as inevitably only the adaptable will survive.
In A New Niche for Nature, Melis combines both natural and traditional materials to create sculptures and drawings, but she also encompasses new media and technology to create a contrast with her subject. By utilising new technological techniques, she is able to create moving images which capture the atmosphere and fluidity of the transitional scenes.
Fascinated by the rare, endangered and brilliant flora, the exhibition captures their state of flux. They appear exposed, almost naked, on the riverbank, and this fragility is beautiful. Yet, in reality these plants were in a fierce underground fight for light, nutrition and ultimately, survival.
Admission: free. Info: 012 6722 2775 / www.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk
words ELOUISE HOBBS