Brandon Ballengee at Gunpowder Park
ECOVENTIONS: Art & Ecology Projects and Field-Trips
In collaboration with the Arts Catalyst
In Summer 2007, artist Brandon Ballengée led a series of art and ecology study days in the fields and marshland at Gunpowder Park, exploring the present species of insects and amphibians. Urban ecologist Dusty Gedge, and wildlife photographer David Cottridge also joined Brandon to lead a study day of particular interest to artists wishing to develop their ecological-art practice and ecologists interested in working with artists to raise awareness of ecological issues.
The term ecovention describes an artist-initiated project that employs an inventive strategy to intervene in or transform a local ecology. Ecoventions usually involve collaborations between artists, community members and local specialists such as ecologists, botanists, landscape architects or urban planners. | Download more on Ecoventions at Gunpowder Park >> (PDF) | | During summer 2007, groups and visitors were also able to study insect-life using Brandon Ballengée's outdoor ‘Love Motels’ set up in Gunpowder Park and SPACE. These use ultra-violet (black) light allowed for a close study and photography of arthropods (spiders, moths, beetles, etc.) and other nocturnal creatures. Attracted to the light, these creatures mate and feed on the sculpture, releasing chemical pheromones to attract mates and consequently "paint" the white surface of the ‘Love Motel’, while spiders span webs adding their own contribution to the work.
More than many environmental artists, the work of Brandon Ballengée bridges the gap between research biology and art. He combines a fascination with fish and amphibians with the techniques of commercial art photography. In 1996 Ballengée began collaborating with scientists to create hybrid environmental art/ecological research projects which have been exhibited internationally. Ballengée’s “eco-actions” directly involve members of the public in these research projects through performative, collaborative fieldtrips. Brandon is a highly experienced leader of educational programmes with schools, youth groups and the general public. You can see more of his work at greenmuseum.org.
During 2007 and 2008, Ballengée is leading a UK study into declining amphibian species, through participatory lab and field-based research investigations, working with the public as well as collaborating scientists. The project is organised by The Arts Catalyst and enabled by residencies at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Gunpowder Park, and Space Studios, London and was documented in the following short film >>
Gunpowder Park is a new country park for the benefit of people, wildlife and the arts. With 90 hectares of land, the park is located at the top of Greater London, England, within the Lee Valley Regional Park. Gunpowder Park was created with a specific remit to provide an innovative programme of arts, science and nature. This programme is produced by Landscape+Arts Network Services.
SPACE is an arts educational charity that provides affordable studios for visual artists and designers in London. The first and largest London studio provider, founded by artists in 1968, its 16 leasehold sites currently provide studios for over 600 artists. Innovative programmes in media arts, exhibisions, community development collaborations, professional development and international residencies all encourage the prosperity of artists and the creativity of communities local to SPACE buildings. 
The Arts Catalyst is an arts organisation that actively makes connections between art and science through commissions and strategic projects. We seek new ways to involve artists, scientists and the wider public in a discourse about science in society, its direction and impact. Arts Catalyst’s artists’ projects are shown in museums, galleries and public spaces internationally and we have an extensive education programme with primary and secondary schols.
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