Leaf Us Alone

This exhibition of artwork is the outcome of a participatory project between visual artist and photographer Alicia Bruce and a group of young artist activists. The project explores our relationship to nature and the climate crisis intertwining visual art and photography, biodiversity and activism.

As world leaders come to Scotland this autumn to commit to urgent global climate action for COP26, the exhibition tells a story of this unique moment in time though collaboration between Alicia and the young members of the next generation.

Taking the Seedscapes: Future-Proofing Nature exhibition at the Dick Institute as a starting point, the artist and group explored key themes around art, nature, wellbeing and activism through thought-provoking creative activity and conversations.

It was important for the artist to use NATURAL MATERIALS and minimal manufactured materials throughout every aspect of the project, avoiding single use plastic as much as possible. All printed materials, including the photographs, were made using resin and plastic free materials. Each participant was given an activist pack containing a cotton bag, two sketchbooks made with recycled coffee cups, a pencil, twine, paper tape and Sharpie (although plastic, this pen lasts a long time and is an essential tool for many activists making placards).

All other items were found natural materials such as leaves and berries.

Collaborating with the countryside rangers Kate and Christine at Dean Castle Country Park, the woodlands provide a rich resource of inspiration to learn directly from the experts about trees, plants, fungi, planting and biodiversity.

NATURAL PLACARDS AND INTERVENTIONS were created using gathered natural materials considering the work of artists such as Anya Gallaccio, Hamish Fulton, Christine Borland and Andy Goldsworthy with input and information on the different species and eco-systems from the rangers.