Urban Desert

When it is summer, city dwellers often yearn for an escape to the beach. The installation Urban Desert is exactly the artist's whimsical twist of such yearning.Czech artist Veronika Richterová creates artificial yet lifelike animals and plants from recycled PET bottles. At the Tongshan Residence, she has built an urban desert with the material she is familiar with, incorporating the existing plants and objects found on site as well. The best feature of this desert is that one does not lose their way or die of thirst in it; instead, it simply offers a surprising encounter.

In a quiet corner amidst the hustles and bustles, the artist transforms ordinary plastic into a hospitable desert. The sight is just like a mirage in an urban setting. It also provides people with an illusionary space filled with wonder. Besides memorable experiences, the installation is also designed to inspire the viewers to contemplate on how we are closely connected with the nature.