Giedre Paliukaityte and Joana Avelar Quintas have been selected to build a landscape installation in Hortillonnages Amiens.

It is the 5th year Maison de la Culture d’Amiens and the Borough Councils of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk present project Art, Villes & Paysage | Art, Cities & Landscape which is a part of the INTERREG IVA France (Channel) – England programme, aiming to improve cross channel relations and cultural identity, encourage ecological development and alternative tourism. This year 8 landscape installations have been selected to be build on historical site known as Hortillonnages (“floating gardens”) in the heart of Amiens. For centuries managed irrigation canals and raised allotments now forms a mosaic of waterways and islands. Predominantly exploited as growing land for agricultural purposes in the past now it is able to offer grounds for cultural activities and pleasure.

Project Symbiosis – living together aims to explore the uniqueness of this man made landscape and find new relations between man and surroundings. It is addressing sensitivity of cross-connections between communities and integrity of human and natural environments.

The concept of Symbiosis comes from Ancient Greek meaning σύν “together” and βίωσις “living”. It is the base for all ecosystems involving close and often long-term interaction between two or more different biological species. The principle of “living together” was translated into geometrical interpretation of internal relations within plant communities. Networks of hexagonal gardens floating on water will provide celebration of colour throughout the summer.

Idea was presented to members of the Artistic Committee and other artists last week in Amiens and will be build in May.

© Giedre Paliukaityte and Joana Avelar Quintas 2014