SFER IK, an interdisciplinary arts centre in the Mayan jungle, has reopened with a huge flower sculpture by Japanese botanical artist Azuma Makoto.
Azuma’s immersive installation, called Mexx, was created in response to SFER IK’s ‘unique biophilic design and the surrounding wilderness’ at Azulik Uh May, an eco-resort and cultural hub.
Situated in the forests of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, SFER IK was founded by architect and entrepreneur Eduardo Neira, who goes by the name Roth.
Mexx installation in Mayan jungle
It opened in 2018, but closed again due to the pandemic. Azuma’s largest work to date is on display through 7 September 2022. The sculpture is made from locally-sourced materials that were also used to construct the museum.
The vast arrangement of living indigenous flowers was designed to ‘paint a picture of the country’s biological wealth’, said SFER IK. The work will gradually bloom into the museum space.
“When conceptualizing Mexx, I was inspired by the unique architecture of SFER IK. It is made by humans but done in unique dialogue with the jungle,” Azuma said.
“The museum itself feels like an organism, and I wanted to create a new biophilic encounter between species within it that will naturally evolve overtime.”
Azulik Uh May eco-resort and cultural hub
Mexx is accompanied by innovative events and performances across Azulik Uh May. After dismantling the sculpture, SFER IK and Azuma will donate all living flowers to the local community.
“It’s living,” Azuma told the Guardian. “Some parts will come into flower, other plants will die back. In six months, it will be completely unrecognisable.”
Myriad real trees feature inside the museum, which was erected around them. “It’s not decoration,” Roth said. “It’s a profound effort to recognise that we are part of nature.”
Images: Azulik Uh May
