Fragments, for the possibilities that lie ahead

part of Ground Truthing, solo exhibition at the Francis McCray Gallery, Silver City, NM

Fragments, for the possibilities that lie ahead, is an installation that uses sixty-two rocks collected from former mining sites in Silver City, New Mexico to examine alternative and more compassionate relationships with extractive industries. Each rock in this installation represents ten mines in Grant County, NM, which has approximately 620 active and former mines. Sculpted mycelium surround the rocks and are a symbolic gesture of care and repair. Fungi help with the erosion of rock, breaking them down into healthier soils, and in this instance, represent giving this ability to these discarded pieces. Here, the fungus is presented as an agent of care, capable of eroding rock and remediating soils. The rocks are displayed on an interlocking scaffolding, echoing the spaces they came from. Fragments, for the possibilities that lie ahead uses mycelium as material and methodology, reframing how we might treat consumption by viewing the more-than-human work as partners in a complex ecological web rather than a resource to exploit. 

Fragments, for the possibilities that lie ahead
2026
Sixty-two rocks from Boston Hill Open Space, Silver City, NM (one for every ten mines in Grant Country, NM): collected from Adonis, Raven, Comanche, and North pits, reishi mycelium (Ganoderma Lucidum), hemp hurd, hardwood shavings, xanthan gum, guar gum, paper pulp, welded steel, 3D printed fixtures, spray paint.

Created with participation from WNMU students: Izzo Arteche, Delia deVer, Bella Drissell, Gabe Farley, Monique Gonzalez, Riata Lindley, Renee Maderazo, Alice Mancilla, Paul Maragay, Leticia Marquez, Melanie Matteliano, Thedra Perry, Melissa Terry, & Thomas Wentz

Variable dimensions, approximately 8’ x 6’ x 2’