Lichen Leftovers is a project where Louise Hederström investigates and shapes discarded lichen from the Swedish company Nordgröna’s production of sound absorbers. She pushes the boundaries of what is considered junk or product in a series of handmade unique mirrors and objects. ”Trough the years I have been looking at so many trees, zooming in on moss, lichen and tubers. It looks like miniature landscapes, so fascinating and expressive. Like a cosmos of its own to disappear into. The design language came out of that.”
Cladonia stellaris, or reindeer lichen, is hand-harvested in Härjedalen, Sweden, and the Norwegian region of Rendalen. This lichen, known for its relatively rapid growth, is collected using specific schedules to ensure sustainability. Harvesters rotate and gather limited amounts from diverse locations to protect this valuable resource. The structure is built of waste wood from a local carpentry in Malmö.
Forêts astrales, Institut suédois in Paris 2024. A project conceived by curator and artist Aia Jüdes and artistic director Sanna Å Gebeyehu. With The Return of the Burls by Aia Jüdes. Interior pictures by Laetitia d’Aboville / Voyez-vous.
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