2022 Artist Collective AKUNZO arrives from the Netherlands

AKUNZO is building a large-scale installation entitled OXYGEN. OXYGEN will be a huge transparent head that emerges from the ground, looks to the sky, smells oxygen, and breathes air. This artwork can be understood as a metaphor for humanity’s precarious relationship with nature.

An interactive element to the work invites the public to write or draw their wishes and thoughts about their relationship with nature on labels that will be tied to the branches of OXYGEN. We will activate this component at ColorFest on November 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day.

AKUNZO will be a featured guest at the upcoming Artist in Residence Meet and Greet on Saturday, October 29th from 2 – 3 p.m. in the Sassafras Room of the Visitor Center. Meet the artists in person, learn about their creative practice and see their site specific installation, OXYGEN in progress.

In the meantime, check out the images below to see how OXYGEN started coming to life. From preliminary sketches, to the bending, shaping and welding of the metal foundation, to working with volunteers in the collection of natural branches, so much goes into a completed work of art. Stay tuned for seeing the work progress, to learn where OXYGEN will be located at Bernheim and consider being part of the art during the interactive component at this year’s ColorFest.

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