Carbon Legacy
Inherited Actions and our Influence on the Future by artist Lizzie Rose
The origins of the cursus monument saw 375 oak trees cut down and re-erected, then ritualistically burnt, in a bold statement of fire, power and spectacle in Kilmartin Glen 5,500 years ago. The mystery of its creation marked the point where humans started to make their impact on the local landscape known, an action that reflects the mass destruction of the forests to make way for human settlement and agriculture.
Carbon Legacy reflects on how our actions implicate our future, and the relevancy of this within the human-induced climate crisis we face. It demonstrates the relevancy of studying past human actions, the importance of the legacy we inherit and that which we bestow into the future. Rose makes the point that the present is a fulcrum, the essential moment to enact change – to become good ancestors.
The multi-format exhibition uses sculptural and photographic elements rooted in the history of the local area reflecting the visually bold monumental moment, interpretations of archaeology, contemporary relevance, and time. It also involves the exhibition of nearly 400 oak tree seedlings within the museum grounds. The saplings will later be planted in a collaborative action, leaving a legacy in Kilmartin Glen near the original monument site.
Carbon Legacy is jointly funded by Kilmartin Museum and Creative Scotland.
