Hybrid Ecology / Kept [amends]

MANDALA

Second amend for having introduced the balloon ornamental noxious vine in Australia. Creating an ambivalent feeling of a sacred geometrical order and disorder, of being attracted versus being responsible for the native habitat conservation.

Mandala side view (detail)

Mandala front view (detail) exhibited in the backroom gallery, courtesy of Articulate project space

Digital video of Mandala front view (extract)

Bioart installation

Similarly to the ornamental seeds on mulberry paper panels exhibited in 'Kept [amend]', Mandala (2026) represents the ambivalent feeling of being attractive versus being responsible for the native habitat destruction.

Trapped in the misconception of a false belief, the circular sculpture reminds us that the universe is made of a sacred geometrical radial symmetry.

The balance of this order depends on the way we stand to protect it from invasive species such as

the noxious Cardiospermum grandiflorum represented in this case by its organically assembled pods.

Gradually, the seed pods are changing pigmentation from pale green to yellow during their natural maturation process.

In nature when drying out, they are ready to disperse their brown heart-shaped seeds within.

Artwork details

Artwork Mandala (2026)
Material Cardiospermum grandiflorum seed pods, wooden disc, glue
Dimensions 100(L) x 100(W) x 2(H) cm
Exhibition Kept [amends] _ Marta Ferracin
Articulate project space, Leichhardt NSW, AU
6 - 28 June 2026
Artist talks 14 and 21 June
Links Event information

Credits

Baloon vine
Lane Cove river habitat

Photos and video
Corey Rankin; Marta Ferracin; courtesy of the visitor

Provision of the backroom
Articulate project space

© Marta Ferracin 2025 Website by Natalia

Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden