Ariadna Silva Fernández

Cartography of Oblivion | Cartography of oblivion propose a reflection on the cultural consequences of the native Galician forest loss. The destruction of the Atlantic forest is motivated by different political, social, economic and environmental factors causing a devastating impact both for biodiversity, memory and collective identity of a large part of Galicia (Spain).

The body of work is presented as both accomplices and victims of a cyclical process in the form of an atlas or cartography. The native forests, in addition to serving as a natural barrier against fire, are characterized as being a symbolic element of Galician culture: the Celts considered oaks and chestnut trees were sacred and a means of communication with the afterlife. The exponential planting, reproduction and normalization of eucalyptus, an invasive species native to Australia used to make cellulose and biomass, causes desecration of the sacred forest, not only because of its presence, but because, in case of fire, it benefits from fire itself by being a pyrophyte species.

Cartography of oblivion arises from a personal concern about a situation strongly aggravated by global warming and the lack of an efficient forest policy. This project is a self-reflexive exercise, an introspection and healing process, and also a personal conflict because it investigates the autobiography linked to the family heritage in relation to the raised issue. It is about demonstrating that the sacred and monumental will survive over time, but not the human condition. www.ariadnasilva.com