Darmstadt (dpa/lhe) - Grass balls as small gardens in trees, a walk-in boat or a coffin on the forest floor: there will soon be a large number of new art objects on display for the 11th International Forest Art Trail in Darmstadt. "It's just become a big project now," said curator Ute Ritschel on Thursday in Darmstadt on 20 years of forest art path. 23 artists from twelve countries are involved this year. Not all of the 31 new installations, sculptures and performances can be seen on the 2.6-kilometer path in the forest at the Böllenfalltor. There will be a digital forest in a gallery room belonging to the Schader Foundation and two works of art at the Messel Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 11th International Forest Art Trail starts on September 3rd and runs until October 23rd under the motto "Art Nature Change". The works of art from earlier forest art trails such as a submarine or a spider can also be seen in the forest. According to the Association for International Forest Art, 35 projects from previous exhibitions can be seen along the way.
There was a setback in advance because of the announcement of tree felling for safety reasons. Artists are no longer allowed to implement their projects everywhere in the forest. "There are only five places where art can be made, we are already very reduced," said Ritschel, who likes to perform with pudding herself. That's why change is an issue. The forest is changing due to climate change, tree felling or overexploitation. The artists' projects are mainly financed by sponsors and donations.
