S(p)oil Cores uses the physical/visual languages of archeology, soil sampling, field testing, and a simple grid to explore the history of the Grove Landfill, the neighborhood it was dumped upon, and the city that created it.

S(p)oil Cores allow us to exaggerate and interpret the many layered natural and human horizons of the Circle Acres Nature Preserve. Through an investigation of the site’s past, this simple installation of curated soil cores will allow visitors to imagine a new future for the site, one of thoughtful creation and understanding of the ground we walk on. A narrative of exploitation and regeneration unfolds — one that applies to numerous illegal dumps across Texas, that helps us to see below the surface.  Interlaced with this narrative are the personal stories of lives throughout the City, of homes and families as well as the natural history that was before us and has now been shaped by us.  

A 24’ x 24’ square grid made of fabricated 16 “soil cores” that range across time scales and topics, offering visitors a critical understanding of the site.  Whimsy, toxicity, historic, contemporary, and future — offered at a variety of scales of new discoveries up close and from afar. 

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Collaboration with Isaac Cohen, Gwen McGinn, Chris Kiahtipes