Margeaux Lim

a curated nature, 2022 (terracotta, brick, cement block, chia, aquaponic system, fauna, fish, found objects)
As an artist with an environmental agenda, I aim to sever the barrier and disconnect between human and environment due to our anthropocentric culture. By creating symbiotic cycles and activating the senses I recreate a simulation where I as the artist have a hand in the functions and curation of an environment and my involvement is not pernicious, but instrumental to the overall cycle of this man-made landscape.

This body of work is not an observation, but a speculation of kinetic energy and relationships amongst life, macro and micro. I explore the ecology of human and non-human relationships through the study of growing organisms, flowing water, and the juxtaposition between natural and industrial materials. These elements become collaborators producing new events and encounters and in result, a continuous orchestra of art takes root.

The tank in the center echoes the surrounding environment, giving the spectator an invitation to relate and empathize with the organism, in this case fish. Through this shift in perspective we can recognize these fish as other centers of experience.

We then question our own existence within the room that acts as a tank and challenge the relationship and connection we have beyond the glass.

Reclaimed Spheres, 2023 (reclaimed clay, broken ceramic, steel)
During my summer residency at Starworks, I sourced all materials directly from the building itself. The mosaic surface was reclaimed from my installation titled Archeological Dig, which was collected from a large bin of trashed ceramic items. I define this piece as a utilitarian sculpture that serves a dual purpose: as an aesthetic object and as functional furniture. This approach allows viewers to engage with the piece on multiple levels, encouraging them to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship while also inviting practical use in their everyday lives. By blending artistic design with functionality, I hope to challenge traditional perceptions of art and furniture, creating an interactive experience that enhances the environment.

Spirit of Resourcefulness, 2025 (found objects, water, organic material, water pumps, tubing)

Lim's exploration of the connection between water and objects weaves together themes of culture, sustainability, and the cyclical nature of life. For her, water is more than a physical element; it’s a vital force that brings the objects in her installation to life. Its fluidity, transformative power, and essential role in sustaining life give these items a dynamic quality. Water embodies cycles, encouraging viewers to think about where water and these objects come from and deepening our understanding of resourcefulness.

Lim also reflects on Taiwan’s complex relationship with water, highlighting both its nurturing and destructive sides. While water supports lush greenery and sustains life, it can also unleash natural disasters. This duality sparks conversations about how water shapes our environments and communities. By addressing both the positive and negative impacts of water, the haphazard looking fountain touches on the delicate balance that exists in nature.

Her inventive use of materials, inspired by the people of Taiwan, celebrates the creativity found in everyday life. By linking these ideas, her installation reminds us of the connections between water, objects, culture, and the environment. Through this perspective, Lim encourages us to think about how we relate to our surroundings and the things we own, ultimately fostering a creative approach to sustainability in our daily lives.