Selected Video Works: Explorations in Nature and Culture

Discover the intersection of nature and culture through the lens of Glasgow-based artists and researchers, Tim Collins and Reiko Goto. This curated collection of video works, spanning over a decade, illuminates their extensive research and unique perspectives on the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture.

Experience the passage of time in a forest, engage with the senses of a wild herbivore, explore Scotland’s rich folklore, and delve into the sonic landscapes of nature, among other explorations. These pieces, designed for large format projection or screen, not only capture the artists’ imagination and creativity but also invite viewers into a thoughtful dialogue about our relationship with the natural world.

Perceiving the World Through Darkness (2022)

Join Reiko Goto Collins on this sensory exploration, and consider how your own perceptions shape your relationship with the world around you. Reiko connects with a wild herbivore and explores the intense sensory perception of the world through the eyes, ears, and nose of the animal. This short film delves into the intimate relationship between nature and the self, inviting viewers to consider the unique ways in which we all perceive the world around us.

“Darkness-Kelpie: Myth and Mystery in Scotland (2022)

In the folklore of Scotland there is the myth of the Kelpie, a water spirit said to take the form of a horse. Tim Collins and Reiko Goto invite you to explore the rich cultural heritage and legends of Scotland, and to consider the role of imagination and creativity in our understanding of the natural world.

MEAKUSMA: Nature’s Sonic Landscape (2022)

Tim Collins, Reiko Goto, and collaborator Georg Deitzler explore the unique relationship between light, moisture, and photosynthesis in trees. With the use of advanced computer software and plein air setup, the artists bring to life the sounds of nature in real-time, allowing visitors to experience the captivating soundscape of a tree leaf breathing. The four-day installation invited people from all walks of life to sit, listen, and engage in meaningful conversations about the natural world.

Decoy: the Passage of Time in a Caledonian Pine Forest (2017)

Decoy is a thought-provoking film that explores the concept of entanglement between humans and nature, specifically within the context of a Caledonian pine forest. The film utilizes a unique visual technique, in which simultaneously shot full-color and black-and-white footage is juxtaposed to create a dynamic representation of the forest’s passage of time. This technique serves to raise important questions about perspective, voice, representation, and the correspondent experience of being in a highland forest. The filmmakers invested a significant amount of time in this project, revisiting the forest repeatedly over the course of several months, capturing footage during the deer rut, and experimenting with various weather and lighting conditions. They also employed a range of film-making techniques and equipment to limit their own intervention in the process, allowing the forest to speak for itself.

The Forest is Moving – Tha a’ Choille a’ Gluasad: Cultural & Natural Ecosystems in The Black Woods of Rannoch, Scotland (2013)

“The Forest is Moving – Tha a’ Choille a’ Gluasad” is a thought-provoking video that delves into the significance of the Black Wood of Rannoch, Scotland. Known for its ancient trees and rich biodiversity, the Black Wood represents not only a natural ecosystem, but also a cultural one that has shaped and been shaped by the communities that have interacted with it. The video explores the historical moment when the Black Wood was saved by science, and the ongoing need for public engagement and stewardship in light of that success. Additionally, the concept of “the forests are on the move” is examined, considering its potential implications for the people and landscapes of Rannoch, Perthshire, and Scotland as a whole.

The Piper-Schelling Experiment: A Tree is a Living thing [Aesthetics & Nature]. (2010)

“The Piper-Schelling Experiment: A Tree is a Living Thing” is a thought-provoking 15-minute video that explores the philosophical and aesthetic implications of the relationship between nature and culture. Developed through conversations with philosopher Pauline Phemister and featuring time-lapse animation by Adam Proctor, the video raises important questions about the nature of aesthetic truth, the concept of natural freedom, and the role of imagination and creativity in understanding the complexities of our relationship with the natural world.

This video was originally presented as part of the solo exhibition “Plein Air: The Ethical and Aesthetic Impulse” at Peacock Visual Arts, Centre for Contemporary Art in Aberdeen, Scotland. Curated by Angela Lennon, the exhibition ran from July 2nd through August 14th, 2010 and aimed to examine the ethical and aesthetic impulses that shape our relationship with the natural world. This video is an essential component of the exhibition and offers a thought-provoking exploration of the themes and ideas presented in the show.