A few weeks ago we had the special treat of being visited by exhibiting artist Matthew Jensen.

Matthew Jensen is a Brooklyn based artist whose work balances photography alongside artifact collection to examine the theme of exploration in the modern world. Often the resulting work depicts the strange confluence of nature and human interaction. His installation, Alongside Tall Grasses, was inspired partly by the landscape of the Brandywine and fits neatly alongside the work of the Wyeths, though clearly different in medium and approach.

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Jensen’s “walking lecture,” with which I had the privilege of assisting may have been intended as a first-hand experience of the artist’s creative process in shooting for an exhibition, yet  for many in the group it resulted in something else much more personal. It gave adults the excuse to see, smell, touch, and dirty themselves up in nature like children again.

Prior to starting, participants were given a sheet of water color paper and a clipboard, the intention being to create a collage of artifacts found in the environment.  Sensing hesitation in his audience, Jensen quickly asked the participants to fold a corner and trace it, “This will be your pokeberry Rorschach blot, so you can muck things up.” It wasn’t long before Jensen came across the aforementioned pokeberries. Pulling a stem of berries vaguely resembling blueberries, he described the fruit as highly toxic, and a vibrant source of purple ink.

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The project forced its participants to experiment with materials found along the walk examining them tactically. Pointing out examples, Jensen encouraged his participants to smash, rub, collect, smell, draw and photograph any objects/sites of personal interest found in creating their final pieces. Nothing was overlooked, leading one brave participant to rub a discarded diaper onto his paper, much to the dismay of others.  

Along the way, Jensen detailed the various plant-life and sites encountered, offering insight into his process behind Alongside Tall Grasses. It is clear that Matthew is very much a sensation- based artist. His interest in nature stems from an almost DIY investigation of the world, testing all physical features of his surrounding environment and later researching them for their unseen traits. Stopping at plant temptingly named the Spotted-Touch-Me-Not, Jensen demonstrated the meaning behind the name slowly lifting a seed-pod. With a sudden force the capsule burst, amusingly, in a manner much like a confetti cannon. “Coincidentally,” he explained, “the plant also offers a homeopathic remedy to rashes from stinging plants.”

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Ultimately, the walk became an exercise in perception, something we might easily take for granted in our daily lives. Having his participants walk under an active bridge he made them stop, close their eyes and listen. “Sounds like waves crashing.” He was referring to the cars passing overhead. Upon arriving at an open field, Jensen again asked his group to close their eyes again for a “bliss walk.” Once lined up, they were allowed to walk blind. The experience was not without its casualties (some quickly veered off into nearby shrubs), yet for those engaged, it provided a momentary sense of freedom from sight, allowing one to focus on other neglected senses.

After completing of the walk, the participants had gathered various collections of objects and samplings. Each member had gathered something unique from his/her own personal discoveries. The works were laid out and arranged for Jensen to photograph, providing each person with a reminder of the day.

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For those involved, Jensen provided much more than just a lecture, he shared his outlook as an artist. For many, falling into the patterns of adulthood means so much time spent playing a larger role in decision making that one often forgets to “smell the roses” as the familiar adage goes. Well, we smelled roses–and other things too.

Alongside Tall Grasses is on exhibition now until Nov. 16 at the Brandywine River Museum. Jensen will also be returning for a traditional lecture Nov. 8 at 2 pm.