Ecologies of Drawing: In Situ

We invited drawn submissions in response to the theme of ‘Ecologies of Drawing’ and these selected images explore Ecologies of Drawing and how they can act as agents of change. Scientifically concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and environments, in the context of drawing, the term ecology might be understood generously to include: environments of dynamic exchange and metastable equilibrium; inter-relational sites of spatial and temporal encounter; the complex systems and patterns of material and virtual worlds; social, political, and economic ecologies; self-sustaining microcosms within spheres of containment; and fragile interdependencies.

In the light of the analogous and entwined conditions of drawing and ecology, we were curious to learn how the agency of drawing operates as an ecological practice – be it in graphite trails, sonic traces, and waves of light, or events and encounters that activate diverse thought and conversation.

Submissions were invited from anyone practicing drawing in a traditional or expanded way and we received well over 100 entries from artists across the globe.

We would like to thank all who supported the exploration of this theme and to extend a special thank you to Sara for her committed and attentive approach to the selection and curation of the exhibition.

Sara Schneckloth’s expanded drawing practice centres on intersections of biology, geology, and architecture as understood through body, material, and mark. An Associate Professor in the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina (US) and co-curator of the Seed Cultures Archive, a project in conversation with the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Schneckloth holds degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin, and has exhibited, taught, and published throughout the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, Norway, and France.

Recordings of the Temporal Drawing research presentations can be viewed on the Drawing Research Network website.