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Matthew J. Sage : Intermedia Worklog
a poorly maintained catalog of various works past to present

UNMOWN STRIP


(early in the growing season)


A time-based "land art gag" in my backyard, performed and documented Spring thru Summer 2019. Built around my lawnmower running out of gas halfway through a mowing, and eventually leading to considerations of habitat regeneration, invasive species dynamics, questioning the patriarchal legacy of Eurocentric horticultural practices, and a "mow-hawk" pun.


The central strip of my relatively groomed backyard was left unmowed for an entire season. Invasive species, namely creeping charley (Glechoma hederacea) overran the strip. Eventually a catalpa tree (Catalpa speciosa) sprouted and took root.




(late in the growing season. note the catalpa tree)


("the artist" with apt signage found in a nearby forest preserve)



(a risograph print based on above found signage given to fans of grass)



The growth and shape of this strip was documented weekly on social media channels, and was eventually cut at the end of the season (see video below), revealing a dramatically altered landscape.




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