Boundaries

While creating artwork inspired by the manmade environmental disruption, I have recently been reflecting on the 9 planetary boundaries, described and quantified by the Stockholm Resilience Center (Stockholm University), and within which humanity and other species can continue to develop and thrive. Planetary boundaries are quantitative assessments of the safe limits for human pressure on 9 critical processes, which include not only climate change but also critical global, non-natural, or biosphere-related aspects inherent to Earth. It is disturbing that as of 2023, 6 planetary boundaries have already been crossed: 1) the presence of novel entities (for ex. plastics!), 2) climate change, 3) biosphere integrity/decline in biodiversity, 4) land system change/deforestation, 5) alteration of rivers, lakes and soil moisture, and 6) disruption of natural nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, essential to support life. Only with solutions that respect all 9 boundaries, we will be able to maintain the safe operating space for humanity. Our individual and collective actions impact these solutions.

Related to this critical topic, “Boundaries and Beyond” is the upcoming group exhibit of works by i3C Artists and Guests that will ponder meanings and implications of boundaries that relate to the environmental crisis. This show is curated by i3C artist Susan Altman and yours truly, and will run from Sept 12 to Nov 7, 2025 at the Arts Collaborative Medford (162 Mystic Avenue, Medford MA) - Opening Reception: Friday, Sept 12  (6-9 pm) with a dance performance by  Liquid Spine - Art & Soul Circle #1: Fri Sept 26, (6:30-8:30 pm) & Art & Soul Circle #2: Fri Oct 24 (6:30-8:30 pm), both at the Arts Collaborative Medford space - More programming will be announced at the i3C artists and Arts Collaborative Medford websites.

Other current and upcoming art exhibits are:

• YourSelfie!, virtual exhibit, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth MA

• Still on: FPAC Members Group Show, FPAC Art Space (70 Sleeper Street, Boston MA), on view until Oct 31 - Opening Reception: Thursday October 16, 5pm-7pm (refreshments, music) - RSVP here

• And also coming up: My solo exhibit at the Massachusetts State House (24 Beacon St, Boston MA) will be on view from Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 - Save the date: Opening reception: Thursday Nov 13^th (3-5 pm)

Until next time!

Image: “Dreaming of Earth Regeneration” (detail), Repurposed materials: fabric, watercolor paper, watercolor, paper from packaging, wrapping from flowers, thread, 22 x 33 x  5 inches, available. This work will be on view at the “Boundaries and Beyond” at the Arts Collaborative Medford (162 Mystic Avenue, Medford MA) from September 12^th to November 7^th, 2025 - Opening reception: Friday Sept 12^th (6-9 pm) with a dance performance by Liquid Spine.