Between The Ground And The Sky
MOCA's Unification of Art and Local Farming
A fantastic exhibition that combines art with Westport, Connecticut’s farming culture and community just opened this week at MoCA Westport in collaboration with Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM). The show is titled Between the Ground and the Sky. It features the photography of local artists Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff, the sculptures of Donna Forma, and the works of the artistic duo Kristyna and Marek Milde.
On view are over 50 large-scale photographs highlighting the importance of local farms and farmers, taken by talented local photographers Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff. The pictures are from the Who Grows Your Food initiative, celebrating the beautiful farms and farmers associated with the Westport Farmers’ Market. It was developed during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic to educate locals on the critical role local farmers play in providing food for the community. Two site-specific installations by Brooklyn-based artists Kristyna and Marek Milde are also included in the show and the natural, organic works of artist Donna Forma.
The group of artists in the show is fantastic, and most of them have a close connection with the local community. Anne Burmeister is an attorney and advocate for food security who grew up as a farm kid in the Midwest and now lives in Westport. Photography has allowed her to show others the beauty that she sees in the lives and work of farmers. Ashley Skatoff is a photographer also based in Westport. Before studying design at Parsons, she worked as a business consultant in New York City, and she is primarily self-taught when it comes to photography. Her beautiful work reflects the authenticity of humanity and nature. Kristyna and Marek Milde are an interdisciplinary artist duo from Prague, Czech Republic, currently based in Brooklyn. Their work consists of installations, in-situ interventions, and public art, functioning as immersive platforms to explore environmental issues and the alienation of contemporary lifestyles. Finally, Donna Forma is an artist based in Southport, CT. She is known for her deconstruction and reconstruction of the components of deceptively simple natural forms, exposing the layers of complexity hidden in plain sight all around us.
Last but not least, other artists featured in the show are attendees of MoCA Westport’s weekly summer camp, called Camp MoCA, for campers aged 3 to 13. Lori Cochran, Director of the Westport Farmers’ Market, has stated, “This program embodies the essence of our organizations. Bringing together art, education, community, and knowledge of agriculture, featuring the hands that tend the land, results in more than a fun event – it creates an impact that will last a lifetime. So, working with Anne and Ashley through their journey on these farms, it seemed only natural to find a home at MoCA Westport to share their stories.”
Between the Ground and the Sky will be on view through October 17, during MoCA Westport’s Summer and Fall 2021 Hours: Wednesday-Sunday (noon – 4 p.m.). Additionally, a Family Day featuring a range of farm-related activities will be held on Saturday, September 11, from noon – 4 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the show, enjoy treats from food trucks, and listen to live music. The event is guaranteed to be an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone; you won’t want to miss it!
