By Introduction
Gabriel Orozco, in collaboration with 6aarchitects and horticulturists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has crafted an extraordinary permanent garden at the South London Gallery (SLG). This innovative project, developed over two years, offers a new planted entrance for residents of Sceaux Gardens housing estate and signifies a significant milestone in the SLG’s history of engaging with artists to create inspiring and inclusive spaces for diverse audiences.
Design Concept
The garden’s design artfully blends symmetry and asymmetry, weaving a tapestry of intertwining circles outlined in brick dimensioned york stone. This intricate geometry delineates a series of discreet spaces or “notional rooms,” each possessing its unique character through subtle variations in form, elevation, and amenities. These spaces, adorned with seating, water features, and plantings, are versatile and adaptable, accommodating a range of activities from relaxation to communal gatherings and exhibitions of work by other artists.
Material Selection
Inspired by the Victorian architecture of the gallery’s building, Orozco selected materials that echo its heritage, including bricks sourced from the newly opened rear facade. The garden’s aesthetic draws on the concept of an urban ruin, with plans for gradual overgrowth featuring diverse grasses, creepers, and fragrant plants curated with expertise from horticulturists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Artistic Vision
For Orozco, the opportunity to create a permanent garden as an artwork presented an exciting challenge to expand his creative practice into a new domain. Inspired by the SLG’s commitment to its local community, he envisioned a space that would serve as a dynamic platform for engagement and interaction among different audiences. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding architecture and landscape, Orozco collaborated closely with the gallery, architects, and horticulturalists to bring his vision to life, culminating in the realization of this transformative project.
Conclusion
The New Permanent Garden at the South London Gallery embodies Orozco’s vision of art seamlessly integrated with nature, offering a sanctuary for reflection, creativity, and community engagement. As this innovative space opens its doors to the public, it represents not only a testament to artistic ingenuity but also a celebration of the power of collaboration and the enduring connection between art, architecture, and the natural world.
