Marguerite Kahrl with Matteo Gianotti,
Manifesta 09, Parallel events
Vennestraat, Winterslag, Genk, Belgium
2012 Seeds of Winterslag (SOW) is part of Kahrl’s ongoing exploration to represent reality by drawing connections between aesthetic expressions and living systems – those which interact with their environment. Kahrl designed the graphic identity with Jan-Christoph Zoels for a family of seed packs and seed ball pouches which were handed out to people at the Vennestraat Markt, during Manifesta 09, Parallel events in Genk, Belgium in an effort to encourage residents to participate in the project.
The seeds packs were gifted in exchange for helping to document, seed and transform a test plot on Winterslag terril throughout the season. For SOW Kahrl collaborated with architect Matteo Gianotti and the citizens of Genk.
Seed Packet 1: (SOW 1)
Characteristic of seed lot mixture 1: vigourous
Height of plants: 3 to 60 cm
Origin: seeds source/collected in Northern Europe
Mixture of seeds: Herniaria glabra, Satureja montana, Achillea millefolium cerise queen, Sedum mixture, Chamaemelum nobile, Hieracium aurantiacum, Herniaria glabra, Lotus cornicolatus, salvia pratensis, Dianthus myrtinervius.
Sowing period: Fall or spring
Seed Packet 2: (SOW 2)
Characteristic of seed lot mixture 2: requires existing ground cover
Height of plants: 3 to 60 cm
Origin: seeds source/collected in Northern Europe
mixture of seeds: Buphthalmum salicifolium, Potentlla neumanniana, Hieracium niveum, Anthemis tinctoria, Cichorium intybus, Hypericum perforatum, Papaver rhoeas, Salvia nemorosa, Eragrostis spectabilis, Thymus serpyllum.
Sowing period: Spring
Seed Pack 3: (SOW 3)
Characteristic of seed lot mixture 3: self seeding annuals
Height of plants: 5 to 60 cm
Origin: seeds source/collected in Northern Europe
Mixture of seeds: Centaurea cyanus, Ammi mayus, Calendula officinalis, Briza maxima, Agrostis nebulosa, Polygonum capitatum, Silene pendula, Echium vulgare, Layia elegans.
Sowing period: Spring
Seed Ball Pouch: (SOW 1)
Seed balls incorporate an ancient technique of coating plant seeds with compost, inoculant, soil, clay rolled together into a ball. They are used for ecological restoration projects in areas damaged by human activity. The clay coating protects contents from harsh climates, seed-eating insects and animals until appropriate conditions allow the seeds to germinate. This seed ball mixture is prepared for the Winterslag Terril, Genk Belgium with pH levels from 7 to 8.
How to use: Scatter and visit throughout the year
Density: 10 seed balls per meter. 10 x 10m test plot.
Height of plants: 3 to 60 cm
Sowing period: Fall or spring
Origin: seeds source/collected in Northern Europe
Kind: Herniaria glabra, Satureja montana, Achillea millefolium cerise queen, Sedum mixture, Chamaemelum nobile, Hieracium aurantiacum, Lotus cornicolatus, Salvia pratensis, Teucrium chamaedrys, Dianthus myrtinervius.
Press:
Exibart
“Vennestraat, Hidden Places and Identities”, un progetto tra artisti ed ex minatori