Introduction
Work from the series Wasteland. The Phosphorite War
For Laura Põld it is important to know the history of the materials as well as to study traditional handiwork and building techniques as a way to preserve certain experiences and memories. Wasteland. The Phosphorite War (2021-2022) is Laura Põld’s series of small fountains, volcanoes and water basins made of ceramics, ultrasonic misters, smoke machines, LED lights and fountain pumps.
The Phosphorite War was an environmental campaign in the late 1980s created to fight against plans by the central government of the Soviet Union to open large phosphorite mines in Estonia. Interestingly, this ecological movement triggered a nationalist movement across the Baltic states, which later led to the restoration of the independence of all three countries. Now in times of energy crisis and climate alertness the mining wastelands of the past envisioned by Põld emerge once again.
The works from the series are included in the Kogo Gallery project (E)Motional Landscapes representing artists Kristi Kongi and Laura Põld at Liste Art Fair Basel 13.6–19.6.2022.