For this show in Madrid, One Bamboo Show, Laurent Martin ¨Lo¨ departs from a unique premise: one piece of bamboo as the base of all pieces fabricated for the show. The large sprout, of about 9 meters, forms the matrix from which all elements in the show evolved. It belongs to the «Phyllostachys Giant» genre and was harvested in 2022 at La Bambouseraie de Plafrance, in France, which houses more than 70 species.

One Bamboo Show is a comprehensive exhibition, in which the artist ambitiously narrates about our planet, the influence of man, and the results of our actions on ecological systems. As bamboo existed on earth before humans did, with a history of more than 40 million years old and usage by man since 5000 BC,  it will most probably exist longer after our disappearance as well. The exhibition takes us through the stages of human life and asks us the uncomfortable question of where we are heading.

 Departing from the masterpiece «Bamboo Skyline», the first work is the ovum, the womb, the origin, also to be read as a ringed planet, in constant movement, an intriguing composition of interdependent spaces. From there smaller pieces that can be considered cosmic constellations lead us to the eye, the apparition of mankind on the scene. It is there that hunting and fishing for survival start reflected in allusions to the bow and arrow as well as the fishing rod, essential tools throughout history, and intrinsically connected to the application of bamboo.

The exhibition culminates in the appearance of a Phoenix, the firebird that appears after transforming to ashes, a symbol of immortality, resurrection, and life after death. With this icon, Laurent Martin «Lo» touches on the resilience of bamboo, the thought of eternity, and the premise that this material will always resurrect, no matter how much damage we do to our surroundings. Bamboo is thought of as the ecological answer, the regenerative plant of our world, a self-regenerating renewable raw material. Just like the Phoenix, it rises again, in the ever-perpetuating balance of life.

12-09-2024 to 11-10-2024

Alzueta Gallery Madrid

C/ Marqués de Monasterio, 1
28004 Madrid

Tel: +34 91 362 99 67
madrid@alzuetagallery.com

Monday to Friday 09:00 – 14:00 / 16:00 – 19:00 and Saturday 10:30 – 14:30