persian rugs sprout patches of greenery for martin roth's living installation

martin roth has cultivated an indoor green space within the korean cultural centre UK, planting patches of lush vegetation across a surface of colorful persian rugs. the use of this unconventional material in the making of a grassy interior expanse explores how we both translate and communicate narratives from traditional, cultural objects. the installation forms part of a solo show of artist koo jeong A.’s work — ‘riptide’ — which also includes a collaborative engagement with a selection of artists that respond to and exhibit alongside her existing work. 

all images courtesy of the artist, and the korean cultural centre UK

presented from now through november 19, 2016 as part of koo jeong A.’s ‘riptide’ at the korean cultural centre UK, roth’s installation sees a sea of persian rugs brought to life with the cultivation of grass. informed by the representations of botanical life in rug weavings, roth has created a literal garden within the gallery, whose ephemerality and limited lifespan is matched by its inherently experiential quality. the damp smell of the grass and its evolving growth, difficult to appreciate through photographic documentation, recalls the futility that is often at the core of roth’s work, where action can be fruitless — in this case, the grass will die off and the rugs will be ruined.