Nicky Howard Rogers' "Microcosms"

Artist Statement

Microcosms is made up of a series of little worlds, or ecosystems, each of which are carefully designed to reflect specific environmental outcomes of the current climate crisis within Maine. As someone who has lived in Maine their entire life I have seen the effects of global warming first hand. Whether it be in the form of droughts my family has experienced while farming, massive algae blooms that kill freshwater ecosystems, or diminished sea life caused by the acidification of oceans throughout Maine.

Each container within this work holds a viable ecosystem capable of sustaining itself for upwards of three years. In the baseline editions of each ecosystem, both the carbon and nitrogen cycle are at play, constantly transferring nutrients throughout the entire system. The containers labeled “Algae Bloom,” “Drought,” and “Ocean Acidification” have been slightly altered so that, over time, they show the real world consequences of global warming on these types of ecosystems.

Within the lifespan of each of these microcosms, the toll of global warming will become increasingly apparent. Allowing for a closer view of the specific problems we are faced with, I hope to remind the viewer that we have the ability and obligation to protect the ecosystem we thrive in.

Materials Used 

Glass Vases

Flex Tape

Baseline Freshwater: Bacopa Monnieri (moneywort), Anubius Nana Petite, Penobscot River Water, Guppy Fish, Sand, Soil, Rocks.

Algae Bloom: Green Algae, Bacopa Monnieri (moneywort), Anubius Nana Petite, Penobscot River Water, Sand, Soil, Rocks.

Baseline Land: One Cup Water, Lemon Tree, Isopod, Moss, Wood Chips, Soil, Rocks.

Drought: 1/4 Cup Water, Lemon Tree, Moss, Wood Chips, Soil, Rocks.

Baseline Ocean: Snail, Hermit Crab, Seaweed, Ocean Water, Ocean Sediment.

Ocean Acidification: Lemon Juice, Seaweed, Ocean Water (pH 3-4), Ocean Sediment.