@laurencruth, Monoculture, 2022 Grass and artificial turf, 24 ft. x 24 ft. This checkerboard of regional grasses and artificial turf satirizes the American lawn as a product of aspirational rituals that control nature and try to stave off chaos. If thirsty lawns simulate perfection, then turf is its drought-tolerant but fossil-fueled mirror image—a bandage for a warming planet made of petroleum byproducts. ~~~ Our summer show may be over, but there's still plenty of public art to see around town—including this new installation in the Luther Barn field by June and July artist-in-residence Lauren Ruth! Monoculture was a pleasant surprise for us. Ruth arrived in Wassaic, started working in the studio, came up with the idea for the installation, sent us a proposal, and now here it is. We always love when our residents come up with cool installation ideas around town. (If you'd like to be one of those artists-in-residence, applications to our 2023 Summer Residency and 2023 Summer Exhibition are open through 9/26! Link in bio our bio for more.) Viewers are encouraged to walk, sit, picnic, or play checkers on the installation. Send us pictures if you do! #wassaicproject #wassaic