The Ocean in the Forest

Not too far from Wanås, on the seabed of the Hanö Bay, the remains of a prehistoric pine forest, dating back to 10,000 B.C., is a reminder of the evolving nature of ecosystems, on land and at sea—nature was here before us and will likely be here after. The Ocean in the Forest is the anchoring image of the exhibition, inviting four international artists—Youmna Chlala, Evan Ifekoya, Lavanya Mani and Eduardo Navarro—to explore its dreamlike essence, in response to the unique site of Wanås.

Amid intense political, economic, and ecological pressures affecting us collectively, it became important to push beyond apocalyptic visions of humaninduced climate disaster. Instead, we dove deep into a more expansive, sensorial understanding of the oceanic and the stories and fables that shape humanity’s relationship with the planet and its diverse life forms.

The artworks explore an intuitive connection to the ocean through our bodies, cellular and genetic memories, and our shared experience starting in the womb. Rather than offering clear-cut statements or answers, the artists invite us into their interior landscapes, and ask us to observe, listen and become attuned to our surroundings. We hope that the art projects will inspire careful attention to which words, thoughts, stories, sounds and sensations we give our focus and our energy, because they write our shared history. Dreams and storytelling are vital since they expand our horizon on what it means to be human, and sometimes offer the seeds we need to collectively envision alternative futures. It is our hope that this exhibition will offer a new way to sense and experience the forest at Wanås, whether you are a new or returning visitor.