LineScape Deconstruction, 2024

Immersive Mural Installation using Soft Pastels, Charcoal, Graphite, and Pencil on the Wall.

In "LineScape Deconstruction," artist Nathalie Alfonso presents an immersive experience that reimagines the urban landscape of South Florida, juxtaposed with the wild beauty of the Florida Everglades. In this innovative exhibition, Alfonso transforms the gallery space into a series of massive, window-like portals, offering viewers a unique perspective as if looking out from an urban interior into the expansive natural world beyond.

Using soft pastels, charcoal, and graphite, Alfonso crafts a monumental mural inverted in a way that evokes the sensation of peering through windows. This creative approach awakens curiosity about the unseen and the unknown, inviting viewers to contemplate what lies beyond the confines of man-made architectural spaces. The mural captures the essence of emotional control and the unveiling of hidden environmental elements, reflecting Alfonso's deep engagement with the landscapes she traverses.

Drawing inspiration from her gravel biking through the Everglades, "LineScape Deconstruction" weaves together feelings of awe and apprehension. The installation confronts fears of the unknown, such as insects and unseen creatures, while celebrating their crucial roles in the ecosystem. Alfonso's physical exertion and connection with the terrain are palpably translated into the artistic narrative of the exhibition.

The installation's design integrates charcoal, soft pastels, and graphite directly onto the gallery walls, with drawings reminiscent of urban South Florida, contrasting with the natural contours and textures of the Everglades. The starlight line, a dirt road marking the boundary of the Everglades, emerges as a powerful symbol of the transition from urban to natural realms.

"LineScape Deconstruction" immerses viewers in a dynamic interplay between architectural urbanity and the mysterious wilderness. As visitors navigate the space, they engage with Alfonso's expressive body movements, captured in the mural's design, offering a rich representation of a diverse ecosystem. The exhibition blurs the lines between the urban environment and the wilderness, fostering a profound understanding of their interconnectedness.

Through this exhibition, Alfonso invites the audience to explore the delicate balance between our urban existence and the hidden wonders of nature. "LineScape Deconstruction" acts as a clarion call to protect and preserve our vital ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. It embodies Alfonso's commitment to raising environmental awareness and influencing public perceptions of our natural surroundings, making the exhibition a compelling fusion of art, ecology, and urban perspective.

Essay by Sophie Boneth