In an exploration of creativity and non-hydrocarbon materials, Messums Org invited artists to submit a proposal for a large-scale, site-specific, ephemeral work of art to be previewed in the 13th century tithe barn at Messums West as part of the gallery’s Active Environmentalism programme from 24 May to 14 June 2025; and then presented at the opening of the First Light Festival on the beach at Lowestoft on the 21st and 22nd June. The First Light Festival takes place on the most easterly point of the country and, on the shortest night of the year, it sees the sun rise on a festival of art and discussions.
The open call looks to present a work that combines beauty with ephemerality as part of the ‘Sculpture in the Sands’ exhibition on Lowestoft beach, which brings together four works of art in an exploration of temporality – one stone piece that will last for millennia; one made of bronze, which can be infinitely remoulded; one ephemeral work which can return to the earth; and a performance piece that lasts only momentarily.
The open call began in January of this year with a three-week window to allow artists to submit their proposals. In that time, we received almost 200 entries from around the world by artists working in an array of different materials.
The selected artist for the Messums Sculpture Open Call 2025 is Zena Holloway, a self-taught maker, researcher, collaborator and the founder of Rootfull. She cultivates textile by guiding plant root, as it grows, with templates that are intricately carved from beeswax. The process uses only organic and locally sourced materials; any excess shoot or seed is repurposed as animal fodder, leaving no waste behind.
Zena’s West London studio is a grow-space and workshop where she innovates and explores the extensive capabilities of root. Through contemporary craft, innovation and invention, she bio-designs memorable artefacts that cultivate material intelligence and regenerative design.
Zena is proposing an ambitious project to grow three large-scale works from grass root for installation at Messums West and Lowestoft. The three pieces will range in size from 2-4m in height. She will use natural madder dye for colour and willow basketry for supports with jute rope used to suspend the sculptures. Every part of the three constructions will eventually decay and return to the earth.
