Еxhibition "Translating the Voices of the Forest"

On October 18, at 4:00 PM, the exhibition "Translating the Voices of the Forest" will open at the DCCC Experimental Studio.

This is an exhibition project by Ostap Bohoslavets, a research fellow at the Department of Mycology of the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Ostap is originally from the city of Nadvirna, Ivano-Frankivsk region, where a large forest area is located. Ostap has spent many years studying the diversity of fungi in this area. He also grew up with this forest, memorizing every viewpoint, every path, and every inscription on a tree.

Aiming to tell the story of his native forest, Ostap chooses a method that is most interesting to him: giving voice to the life stories of the non-human agents that inhabit this space. The author sees himself as a translator. Using scientific methodologies to study wood-destroying fungi, he speaks about decay, without which the birth of the new is impossible; about the extraordinary fragility of some species and the strength of others; about the invisible and irreversible processes of losing the diversity of life.

"However, it is impossible to wrench this forest out of its political, economic, and cultural context and surrender it to the realm of indifferent, extra-historical Nature. This place is for picking mushrooms and berries, for evenings by the fire, romantic dates, downhill competitions, lonely walks, selective sanitary logging, spontaneous religious experiences, motorcycle riding, sledding, national liberation resistance, haymaking, photo sessions, beautification plans, and guided tours. As well as scientific research and activism," says Ostap Bohoslavets.

Curator: Diana Khalilova.

The exhibition will run until November 8, inclusive. Working hours: Tuesday–Wednesday, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM. Admission is free.

The Experimental Studio is a space on the 2nd floor of DCCC where events are held focusing on experimental practices and work with young artists.