Merging Science and Art - Siobhan McDonald’s Collaboration with Terraform in BOGSKIN
Siobhan McDonald’s latest work explores the intricate balance between preservation and decay, drawing inspiration from the bog ecosystems that have safeguarded organic matter for centuries. Working in collaboration with Terraform, she engaged with leading ecological research and material preservation techniques to deepen the scientific foundation of the project. Their expertise provided critical insights into the anaerobic conditions that allow materials such as sphagnum moss, peat, and decaying plant matter to endure over time, mirroring the way the Faddan More Psalter was preserved within the bog.
As part of this process, Siobhan utilized the cutting-edge facilities of the Variable Atmosphere and Light (VAL) laboratory at Trinity College Dublin. The VAL Lab’s advanced plant growth chambers, designed to control light intensity, spectra, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition, enabled her to cultivate and study plant materials under precisely simulated environmental conditions. This scientific approach allowed for an innovative integration of organic materials and artistic expression, reinforcing the themes of memory, transformation, and impermanence within her work.
Further supported by Terraform’s ERC-funded research, Siobhan incorporated experimental methods to investigate the interplay of light, organic matter, and time. These techniques expanded the possibilities of her practice, pushing the boundaries of material exploration while maintaining a strong connection to ecological and historical narratives.
The results of this research and artistic exploration are currently on display at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts in Dublin. Her latest exhibition, BOGSKIN, is open to the public until April 20th 2025, offering a unique opportunity to experience the interplay of science, art, and the fragile ecosystems that inspire her work.
Looking ahead, Siobhan will continue her collaboration with Terraform as she embarks on a new project examining Dublin’s coastline as a wetland. This work will form part of the upcoming STARTS4Water II residencies, furthering her engagement with environmental themes and the passage of time in shifting landscapes.
For more information on Siobhan’s work, please visit: https://www.siobhanmcdonald.com/
