Image courtesy of the artist
Molly Gochman
Inseparable
28 mounds soil and grass, ~144 ft x ~14 ft
inseparable is an outdoor land art installation by artist Molly Gochman, where 28 grass-covered mounds spell out the word "inseparable" in Braille. In today’s landscape, our interconnectedness is intrinsic, and is facilitated by the constant flow and exchange of ideas and materials across oceans and borders. Attempting to separate the inseparable becomes an exercise in futility since our world is inextricably woven together through a continuous exchange.
Constructed from densely packed soil and grass, the mounds transform into a dynamic, living installation. As it evolves, not only will its growth seamlessly integrate into the landscape, but it will also function as a platform for fostering dialogue around migration, adaptation, urban ecosystems, human connectivity, and the potential for harmonious coexistence.
Reminiscent of the Nazca lines whose patterns are discernible only from the air, the scale of the Braille pattern transforms a single word into an environment—a space that viewers are encouraged to explore and enjoy. Resembling the contours of a womb, these mounds are envisioned as spaces that hold and support one another. Each mound, spacious enough for an individual to stretch across, serves as an invitation for viewers to actively engage with the installation. The intention by the artist is to encourage interaction and play, allowing participants to connect with the artwork by physically immersing themselves in the grass and earth, fostering a multisensory experience.
On their own, the separate dots lack meaning, but gain significance only within the context of one another, forming a cohesive message. By drawing attention to interconnectivity, the installation serves as a catalyst for community-building and understanding our integral role within the intricate web of nature. inseparable seeks not just to be observed but to inspire a shift in perspective—a recognition of our inseparable ties to the environment and each other.
About the Artist
Molly Gochman is an artist and activist deeply engaged in social practice and focuses on activating spaces for profound collective experiences. Her practice encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including photography, sound, installation, and sculpture. Through these mediums, she often challenges and subverts conventional material boundaries to foster interaction, play, exploration, and meaningful dialogue. Molly frequently explores concepts encompassing human connection, environment, and community, rooted in the belief that life's experiences shape us. Guided by the concept that "life leathers us," her works not only aim to aesthetize but also reflect the passage of time through weather, wear, and change. Her practice continues to evolve with a desire to actively engage participants, inspire meaningful dialogues, find commonality, and discover shared human experiences. Originally from Texas, Molly is currently based in New York.