Washington, D.C. - The Kinnara Fund, a non-profit organization devoted to integrating bioethics into societal decision-making processes, has announced the premiere of the bio-art exhibition, “Living with Cork”. The exhibition, set in Portugal's Alentejo region - the heart of global cork production, spotlights the urgent need for cork forest ecosystem preservation.
"We are at a critical juncture, where our actions today will determine the health of our planet for generations to come. 'Living with Cork' is not just an exhibition, but a call to action to appreciate, preserve, and learn from nature," said Debra Ann Smith of the Kinnara Fund. "Through the unique interplay of art, science, and sustainability portrayed in this exhibition, we hope to inspire audiences to rethink their relationship with the environment and join us in our journey to uphold the principles of bioethics in all spheres of decision-making for the future of humanity and our planet."
"Living with Cork" offers an innovative blend of art, science, and environmental advocacy. It is centered around a captivating cork labyrinth featuring sculpted capsules, crafted by award-winning Portuguese artist Marta de Menezes. Born and raised in the Alentejo region, de Menezes brings to life the textures, smells, and visuals of the cork ecosystem with her captivating bio-art capsules.
The exhibit also showcases the works of renowned American designer Robert Marinelli. His sustainable, cork-based furniture and design pieces are cleverly embedded within de Menezes’s cork labyrinth, symbolizing the interconnectedness of creation, its source, and their interdependency.
Besides showcasing spectacular art, the exhibition emphasizes the pivotal role of cork forests in environmental sustainability. Cork forests, although under threat from deforestation and urbanization, serve as biodiversity hotspots and absorb significant quantities of carbon dioxide, acting as crucial mitigators of climate change. Furthermore, these forests are home to numerous endemic species, and their decline could lead to devastating losses in global biodiversity.
The exhibition also draws attention to the economic and environmental challenges facing the cork industry. This industry, deeply rooted in the Alentejo region, relies heavily on the sustainable harvesting of cork oak trees, a tradition that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. The recent decline in cork forests, however, poses a significant threat to this industry. The introduction and growing popularity of alternative materials like plastic, despite their larger carbon footprint, further exacerbate these challenges.
Following its preview in Alentejo, the “Living with Cork” exhibition is slated for 2024 tour across Lisbon and the United States. The Kinnara Fund plans for this exhibition to be an annual event, each year featuring different artists and designers but consistently focusing on the theme of cork ecosystem sustainability. (www.livingwithcork.com)
About The Kinnara Fund
Inspired by the mythological Kinnara, described as part human and part bird, whose role is to guard human well-being in times of trouble, The Kinnara Fund aims to raise awareness and act as a catalyst for change. By reaching people across various platforms, The Kinnara Fund strives to make science more accessible and relatable, promoting bioethics in public, institutional, and corporate sectors, thereby advocating for the welfare of humanity and the planet's safety.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Kinnara Fund
Contact Person: Marcellina Garcia
Email: Send Email
Address:712 H Street NE Suite 2166
City: Washington
State: DC 20002
Country: United States
Website: www.livingwithcork.com
