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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 MAY 2025 2 ART Justin Amrhein's dystopian garden: A haunting vision of the future at Spazju Kreattiv PREPARE to be captivated by Justin Amrhein's thought-pro- voking exhibition, "Dystopi- an Garden," opening at Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier on May 16 through June 22, 225. A mesmerising display of over 5 never-seen-before pieces leads us to envision a future where nature and machinery cross each other's boundaries. This immersive art experience, supported by Arts Council Mal- ta and part of the Spazju Kreattiv programme 224/225, explores the delicate balance between nature and human interven- tion, forcing us to confront the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss. While visiting the Saint James Cavalier building in 223, Am- rhein was inspired by the Atri- um space and its soaring glass ceiling. It is the perfect site for a project that has been years in the making - a lavish greenhouse in a botanical garden - where he could 'grow' his Mechanical Bo- tanicals, blurring the boundaries between natural flora and tech- nology. As you step onto the ground floor, your eyes will be drawn toward the awe- inspiring sight of the seven-meter-tall Slow Growth Palm Tree. This im- posingmixed-media drawing commands the Atrium space, serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of humanity's actions on the envi- ronment. Standing beside it is a living, breathing tree transformed in- to a sculpture. Its organic form is a testament to the fragile re- silience of nature. Surrounding the trunk, an impressive Sculp- tural " s i s t e r piece" - 3D Blueprint - Root System further encourages viewers to contem- plate the complex relationship between organic growth and human artifice. Surrounding the cylindrically shaped Atrium exhibition space along the walls of the stairways, you'll find over 3 distinct species of 'Mechanical Orchids'. These mixed-media collages have been created in collabora- tion with 28 invited artists. Four backlit prints along the same walls give a whimsical touch to the series. This exhibition is thoroughly captivating as you explore the interconnectedness of the show- cased works, revealing the fas- cinating journey of Amrhein's creative process. The 3d-print- ed sculptures, quietly displayed along the internal staircase and their corresponding schematic banners adorning the Atrium, provide a glimpse into the art- ist's conceptualisation. Last but not least, delve deeper into Amrhein's artistic process through three thought-provok- ing videos: "The Seed," "Me- chanical Orchid Digital Parts Catalog," and "Photosynthesis is Canceled. Build This Instead" at the space's Meditation Room, the perfect place to take a long pause, as Amrhein's "Dystopian Garden" challenges us to recon- sider our relationship with na- ture and inspires us to take ac- tion to protect our planet. Don't miss this extraordi- nary exhibition that pushes the boundaries of art and ignites conversations about our future. Dystopian Garden is part of Spazju Kreattiv programme 2024/2025 and supported by the Arts Council Malta.