Lungs of the Earth

Troy Nickle
Lungs of the Earth – Gallery Exhibition
August 31 to October 27, 2024

Lungs of the Earth – Outdoor Site-Specific Installations
June 22 to October 27, 2024

In Lungs of the Earth, Troy Nickle considers trees as integral extensions of our bodies, functioning like lungs by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and sustaining our breath. Over the years, Nickle’s art has been shaped by a profound relationship with trees, resulting in various site-specific installations and ephemeral works both in natural landscapes and galleries. Through his work, Nickle investigates how trees sustain life, the organisms and phenomena linked to them, and the symbolic meanings we attach to their diverse forms, imbuing them with new significance.

Nickle’s sculptural works often incorporate the use of chainsaws and various carving methods to explore natural forms and patterns. He is fascinated by processes such as erosion, decay, and wildfire. Through printmaking, he reveals the intricate ring patterns within trees, drawing attention not only to their aesthetic beauty but also to their role as historical records, capturing details of time, precipitation, air quality, and other environmental factors.

Nickle draws inspiration from scientific research on trees and their symbiotic relationship with fungi via underground mycorrhizal networks, which facilitate nutrient exchange, water distribution, and inter-tree signaling. In his site-specific installation, Hidden Kingdom, Nickle has painted logs in a spectrum of colors, connected by white cord to symbolize an interconnected web, representing the mycorrhizal network. This work, blending scientific and metaphorical elements, is informed by the research of scientist Susan Simard and Indigenous wisdom on the interconnectedness of all living things.

Sky Vessels is a site-specific installation made from sculpted wood and mirrors, situated on a hill overlooking the breathtaking foothills landscape. This work is aims to create an auspicious moment for contemplation, connecting the viewer with both earth and sk. The mirrors reflect the ever-changing patterns of the sky, clouds, light, and weather, while the sculpted wood orbs ground us in the earth. Sky Vessels invites us to observe and reflect on the interconnectedness of the earth, sky, trees, and our own existence. Sky Vessels is one of several outdoor installations, which are part of a larger exhibition by Troy Nickle; the gallery portion, Lungs of the Earth, will open at Leighton Art Centre in August 2024.

Nickle’s multidisciplinary work examines the scientific, metaphorical, and mythological aspects of trees, focusing on their role as sources of artistic material and life. His woodcut prints, sculptures, and installations tell the story of trees, exploring their climatic history and symbiotic relationships. Through his artistic forms, Nickle highlights the profound sacredness of trees and their intricate connections to all living things.