Mercedes Borgunska

mesh 2024

tufting
cotton, wool, acrylic
installation dimensions variable
8 pieces
parts from 16.5 x 11 x 2.5 cm to 138 x 137 x 9 cm

Series of tufted objects based on the appearance and features of lichens.

I observe lichens overgrowing stones and tree branches. They fascinate me with their shapes, colours and structures, bright, soft and glowy but also by what they are and how they function: symbiotic clusters of different species that grow on top of surfaces. They are pioneer species, they indicate air quality and they glow under UV light, ubiquitous but easy to overlook. I use tufting as a technique that reminds lichen structure. I search for colours, glows, shapes and textures experimenting with expanding tufting technique.

The pieces are oversized and sculptural, still keeping some quality of painting within the process, often going away from observed forms and becoming stains, moulds, islands and creatures of their own.