In Shik Lee’s (“FArts F/G 23”) “Freeville Arts Figure/Ground, 2023, Freeville, NY 13068” is a land art project that utilizes creative conservation to allow the viewer opportunities to contemplate the cultural, economic, social, and ecological sustainability of rural New York State and the impacts of the Figure (humans) on the Ground (land). Using her 197 acre property as a canvas, Lee layers plans of past property and topographic lines, agricultural drainage lines, tree lines and deer paths, overlaid with recent plans from a prominent local architect. The resulting landscaping shows how allowable zoning through history has resulted in the loss of rural lands to development.
In Shik Lee is a land artist, painter and creator of 3-D built environments whose ecological art promotes the conservation of rural lands.
Photo credits: Photos by Jill Bornand, except for barn image and painting.
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New York State Rural & Traditional Arts Fellowship 