Soil is a material on which the whole of civilzation depends. Along with clean air and fresh water, it is one of the fundamental components that support life on this planet. In today’s world soils are endangered due to increased neglect, leading them to become more contaminated and eroded - with surveys showing that 38% of soils in the South West England are substantially degraded. Looking deeper into the issue of value creation by recycling materials from the Dartington estate, artist-in-residence Debra Solomon examines the value of nature’s work in the rhizosphere - a narrow region of soil directly influenced by root secretions and soil microorganisms. In doing so, she proposes an alternative ecology, valuing the importance of soil compared to current mainstream agricultural practice. Alongside Debra’s work there will feature a video piece by Zoe Young, which documents the other residencies that have taken place so far.

Thursday 7 May from 5-7pm Free, please email lara.lloyd@dartington.org to book your place.