All possible forests #8 Self Portrait, 2023

Maria Jose Arjona  

From the series All Possible Forest
Inkjet print on photo rag bryta (Archival Paper)

This striking artwork presents a silhouetted figure against a lush, verdant backdrop, evoking a sense of mystery and introspection. The figure, seemingly crafted from a reflective metal, seamlessly integrates nature and human form. A large, polished disc sits atop the individual's head, mirroring the sky's azure expanse and the ambient light, creating a harmonious fusion of elements. The background showcases a dense forest, its rich greens and earthy textures offering a vivid contrast to the sculpture's dark silhouette. This juxtaposition highlights the intersection of natural beauty and human creativity. The artwork's ability to reflect its environment creates a dynamic viewing experience, varying with light and perspective. It stands as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, inviting viewers to contemplate their own place within this intricate tapestry.

Other Possible Forests unfolds a horizon of vital potentialities, where listening serves as a conduit for exploring the natural world, immersing us in its molecular memory and transposing the sounds and language of the Colombian jungle into the urban realm. Following the course of the Guaviare River to Cerro Azul in the San José del Guaviare region, María José Arjona meticulously gathers the sonic heritage of this pivotal and liminal territory. This act of listening emerges as a political gesture, positing the body as a site of resonance and a nexus between disparate worlds. The photographs emerge as one of the multifaceted layers constituting the totality of the project, forging a nuanced relationship between the creation of visual imagery and the soundscapes that inherently envelop them. Central to these compositions, the copper cone invites the viewer to engage in an act of listening that transcends visual perception. This perfor-imaginative exercise hints at the emergence of another forest beyond the perceptible, an affective space shared by beings that co-vibrate with the planet. In this context, distinctions between the artist's corporeal presence, what we conventionally classify as nature, and the observer become increasingly porous; dissolution manifests as the sonic dimensio permeates the visual horizon, submerging anthropocentric narratives and situating us within a less predictable yet profoundly affective realm.