The highly anticipated exhibition, “The Archive” by British artist Rebecca Louise Law is now open in Brett Hall at the Main Library in downtown Cleveland.
“The Archive” is a breathtaking installation composed of thousands of delicate flowers suspended in a display that celebrates the beauty of life. Every blossom is suspended with intention, arranged in color gradations, creating an ethereal, dreamlike effect that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the installation and lose themselves in its beauty.
“The Archive” will be a sensory journey for visitors to Cleveland Public Library,” says Tiffany Graham Charkosky, Director of Arts and Culture at Cleveland Public Library. “The Archive” is a vibrant reminder of the Library’s role as a guardian of knowledge and a portal to limitless imagination. It encourages visitors to explore the delicate interplay between words and nature.”
Rebecca Louise Law is known for creating immersive installations with natural materials. Preserved flowers have become the signature of her most recognized works, highlighting Law’s commitment to environmental sustainability and her connection to nature. Through generous donations, over 50,000 local waste flowers have been sourced for “The Archive” in Cleveland.
“This extraordinary exhibition is a product of strong partnerships and a passion for inclusive public art,” says Greg Peckham, Executive Director at LAND studio. “We are excited to share the dedication and collective effort that brings beauty, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to this shared space.” “The Archive” promises to captivate hearts, ignite imaginations, and inspire a renewed appreciation for the profound beauty found in the convergence of art, nature, and intellectual discovery. Visitors to Brett Hall will have an opportunity to engage with The Archive through guided tours, workshops, and special events.
“The Archive” is the 15th installment of See Also, an annual series of temporary artwork at Cleveland Public Library. This project is made possible through the support of the Lockwood Thompson Endowment Fund, LAND studio, mercer-WORKS, and a community of volunteers.
“If you’re a fan of contemporary art, design, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, then don’t miss The Archive,” adds Charkosky.
The Archive will be on display through Spring 2024. It will be open during Library hours, Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information about the exhibition and past See Also installations, visit cpl.org/exhibits.
Since 2003 Law has been collecting flowers to build her projects. These colossal works are intentionally equivocal and while themes of symbolism, consumerism, sustainability, and life cycles often present themselves, the artworks also provide a harmonious sense of place for rest and contemplation. Today, Law uses flowers grown and dried in a small family-run holding in France as well as grows, harvests, and dries her own flowers in the UK. To instill a sense of place, all new installations have local contributions. With permission, locally sourced flowers are donated from parks, private collections, gardens, and commercial waste. Waste from the commercial floral industry needs to be sorted and dried, with many stems composted.
Website: rebeccalouiselaw.com
