Kim Holleman’s Terrarium-Like Sculptures Challenge Environmental Issues

Artist <a href="http://kimholleman.com" target="_blank">Kim Holleman</a> uses plants, found objects and garbage as materials for her terrarium-like sculptures that fuse art and architecture with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/photos-artists-transform-trash-into-eco-art-at-nyc-exhibit/" target="_blank">environmental issues and nature</a>. Her work speaks to chemical spills, climate change and dystopian futures, interpreting these fears as tiny, glass-encased worlds. If you want to see some of Kim's works in person, her recent chemical spill pieces are being featured at the <a href="http://artsnotfair.com" target="_blank">Arts Not Fair</a> exhibition at Like the Spice Gallery in Williamsburg.

Holleman’s pieces at <a href="http://inhabitat.com/greg-haberny-transforms-trash-into-artwork-that-challenges-over-consumption/" target="_blank">Like the Spice</a> resemble futuristic terrariums. Each glass bauble encapsulates items which are vaguely plant-like, coated in hyper colored goo.

A tiny pink bonsai like tree is perched on a bright red rock, while swirls of violet <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bp-oil-spill-responsible-for-coral-damage-in-gulf-of-mexico/" target="_blank">chemical muck</a> peaks like taffy in a test tube. These pieces, called chemical spills, are just one way Holleman addresses her environmental concerns about the current state of the world, and the world in the not so far future. Sparse, plant like specimens appear to be preserved, as if evidence that nature once flourished there.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/designnobis-turns-recycled-scraps-into-a-stackable-eco-bench/" target="_blank">Repurposing found objects</a> and trash also coincides with her environmental views..Holleman regularly uses old science beakers and bottles, to hold the miniature environments she creates.

Each is layered with dirt, chemicals and plant, a “Ship in a bottle, 2.0” as she says. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/takanori-aibas-amazing-bonzai-castles-are-miniature-living-worlds/" target="_blank">mini environments</a> develop just as real science experiments, building up over time.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/evo-love-upcycles-vintage-junk-into-creepy-tableaus/" target="_blank">Trash is also recycled</a> into large site specific installation. Using plastic bags, Holleman has created fluffy sculptures that resemble landfills, yet have a softer edge with their impeccable and colorful weaving.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/aganetha-dyck-works-with-live-bees-to-make-beautiful-art/" target="_blank">incredible sculptures</a> feel like futuristic relics from a world faced with serious chemical contamination. Holleman’s work brings awareness to a potential future without environmental concern. Arts Not Fair’s closing party is Thursday, April 5^th from 6-8pm.