For this new project Scott Rogers presents a single-channel video work, The Rowan Feeds the Blackbird, the Blackbird Sows the Rowan, focussing on the political and ecological implications of ‘mutualism’. Explored through the local environment of Collective's home on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, this new work will present the site as both subject and proof-of-concept for mutualistic forms of organisation.
'Mutualism' is a term drawn from biology and nature studies that describes relationships between different species where each share the benefits (including food, reproduction, protection etc) that occur from their connection. Considered more broadly mutualism makes the case for densely layered forms of reciprocity between species and offers an alternative narrative to those that construct nature as inherently competitive or aggressive.
Scott Rogers lives in Glasgow. His practice is focused on human encounters with nature, and the complex interdependencies that underpin them. He has recently presented work at the Kamias Triennial (Manila, PH), the Tetley (Leeds, UK), Hospitalfield (Arbroath, SCT), Gallery Malmo (Edinburgh, SCT), Aldea (Bergen, NO), Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (SCT), Oracle (Berlin, DE), and Franz Kaka (Toronto, CA). He has upcoming projects with Untitled Art Society (Calgary, CA), and Haus Wien (AT).