Anna Graves

From the gradual formation of footpaths to the expansion of urban parks following Industrialization, spaces which at a glance seem natural are structured to suit human needs. In my interdisciplinary practice, I highlight the complex nature of outdoor spaces such as Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia. I am interested in exploring different modes of engagement with this space, such as wayfinding and collecting. My practice – heavily based in field work – strikes a balance between quietude and folly.

Through personal interactions with space, I record my experiences and memorialize objects of (in)significance found along park trails. I am interested in questioning the relationships between printmaking and the natural sciences, the history of park systems in North America, and methods of sustainability such as ‘leave no trace’ principles. As an artist, I am concerned with the convergence of individual experiences and involvement in larger patterns of environmental impact in the Anthropocene.