Nien Stewarz was born in the Netherlands and now lives and works in Perth. She has a life-long passion for geography and Earth Sciences, and is interested in how analyze, map and modify the ground beneath our feet to produce consumer goods. She is very much interested in the environment; one of her favorite things is gardening.

Her installation Radicle is set on the ground by the Reid Library.  The  work is a multivalent mapping project exploring connections between ecology and economics.  Sleeping bags are rolled to form soft sculptural planters; incubating vessels that support the growth of 100 native plants. Each plant is fitted with an identifying tag that contains a reference to a complementary UWA related research paper. Radicle form a temporary nursery and library, that reflects a rapidly changing environment and associated fields of knowledge.

Many plants look like ferns and are positioned in a circle with colourful sleeping bags wrapped around the base of the pots. Several plant clusters of five and seven, placed in circles, signified something about the threat on the environment. Description tags of blue and yellow ribbons were tied to each plant. Many scripts were hard to pronounce and while reading the name of the plant you notice the colour and patterns on each bag. 

From a distance we just see bunches of colour; yellow, blues, greens, blacks, and pinks. Up close you think; What's with the sleeping bags and the blue and yellow ribbons, displaying script, mean?" If unsure of comprehending the script, viewers can read the information sign about the artist's work to unfold its meaning.  I did wonder if the colour of the tags had its own significant meaning or if Schwarz was a West Coast Eagle supporter!  Colours have different meanings in the forestry department, for example; Conservation and Land Management would have their own methods of coding to symbolize their involvement in that area.

These plants are all native to Western Australia. In one cluster there are eight sleeping bags, others have more; there are twelve clusters overall. The colours and clusters could represent families camping out in the bush, or community groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Guides or conservation groups. Some bags do represent children as the designs and colours depict animated creatures and symbols.

All the clusters were spread out so when we look down from above, they can be seen as symbols in the shape of a question mark, or the letter 'S'. When you view the installation from ground level, do to the position of the plants and how they are displayed, you notice the shadow effects of each plant. It is similar to Stonehenge where the evening sun casts long shadows of the pillars. Stonehenge has always been seen as a sacred monument and this arrangement too has a strong sacred meaning. I think the viewers would also experience this feeling while connecting the work to their own belief in this particular area.

The artist's intention is to foster environmental awareness in people of all ages and cultural groups, especially an understanding of the effect of growth in a community. Is there a reason why these clusters were placed under trees and not in the open lawn area? I believe the artist's intention was to display the plants in a circle to symbolize a congregation of people camping out, and to utilize the tree area to display the contrast between larger trees and the  regrowth of smaller ones.

There is a solar panel on top of each globe, which would signify clean energy. Each plant, with its coloured sleeping bag, may suggest an organization or just one person. The circle may represent human energy and links together with solar energy that delivers the seed of life. The colourful sleeping bags may signify people of any age or gender; people from different parts of the world; pilgrims, travelers, backpackers from here or somewhere else, who come to view or study the environment. The plants may be seen as people standing around protesting about climate change. There are instrumental sound in the background and people walking through the campus, each with their own analysis of what they see while conversing and viewing other areas of the campus.

As not all the plant clusters has its own solar globe we wonder if the solar energy globe is an 'accident'. I wasn't sure but if it was placed accidentally it doesn't detract, instead it gives the viewer another perspective on to installation. The viewer interacts with the installation and it may be the artist's intention, as it brings people together in discussion as they attempt to decode the meaning.

I see the cluster of plants as individuals and compare it to a group discussion where some may have different points of view. Meanwhile, different interpretations of the installation allow for conversation and an exchange of ideas. One viewer's perspective was that it implied the Round Table from King Authur and his Knights as the circle represents equal opportunity for all. Just by sharing your ideas with others, you become a part of the installation. The clusters demonstrate a mutual harmony with another circular group ideally signifying culture. Here you are constantly gathering  information and questioning the plant formation.

A blue bag stand among a cluster of different colour sleeping bags forming its own independents within its own circle. Another cluster has a black sleeping bag among colourful ones which could be perceived as the black sheep of the family, or an authority figure. The viewing of this particular plant shows the separation of a blue bag among many identical colours, e.g. stripes, leopard parterns and green camouflages. A similar formation is perceived as a person in charge among many supporters forming a common  interest as they unite on the subject of environmental awareness. I do think the majority of people's awareness off the environment is positive and that legacy will continue to get better.

A wedding was active at the time and in the contrast between bridal party and nature I could see growth and regeneration which related to questions along the line of capitalism, climate changes and the environment. It also signified new life and the responsibility we all need to uphold and protect the future from distraction, of plants and people.  By and large, the day generated into great fun for many families and while wandering through beautiful gardens and sunshine.  The colour contrasts between nature and people were amazing; the sun illuminated the lawn area as Nien Schwarz's installation displayed bright colours against the green background. The sights and sounds of families and nature stayed with me when I retired at the end of the day.