Holdfast – Madeline Irvine – Georgetown Art Center

Named after “holdfasts” – root-like structures that secure giant kelp forests to the ocean floor, Madeline Irvine‘s exhibit celebrates these critical ecosystems that reach 175 ft high and feed young marine life around the world.

Holdfast is also a call to action a plea – with its sub-title “Dissolving Environments” it’s a warning of loss.
Every work of Irvine’s is an intricate constellation of tree-like or jelly-fish-like shapes formed by volcanic salts, inks, sea salts, and/or ash. Each is an opportunity for reflection and awareness, as we appreciate the inticate nature of each design and its materials, we meditate on the inter-connectedness of these forests that feed so much, provide oxygen to so much – in the face of climate change threats. How long will they hold fast? How long will we?