One City, Many Cities 1, by Maria Mackay

Description

Maria Mackay has a long history of exhibiting delicately constructed metaphorical works that enhance our understanding of the environment. She writes of these works:

“At the macro-level, this circular work depicts the transformation of the natural world into human-occupied zones, using magnified images of picture jasper & illustrations of the socioeconomic demographics of New York City areas. One city becomes many cities, many cities may become one planet-wide city. Autumnal tones suggest this movement toward decay and closure. Broken lines between the natural world & the city-scapes suggest a compass, showing both direct & indirect passages to that future. At the micro-level, the transformation of the dwelling spaces & resources of all life in our world into the material trivia humans use to increase their socioeconomic and cultural status & to reinforce their secure control of their personal environments. Metallic lettering contrasts the glittering allure of planetary sequestration with a truth suppressed beneath this illusion of triumph: the tragic theft of non-human peoples’ homes & lives.”