Julijonas Urbonas

Location → Lohipadonniemi, Raatinsaari, Oulu

Lithuanian artist Julijonas Urbonas implements his artwork “Lawn Centrifuge” – a revolving patch of lawn – in the small park located at the tip of Lohipadoniemi in Raatinsaari.

Buried underneath the grass, a platform spins a five meter diameter disc of sod. Due to the centrifugal force, the plant’s sense of gravity – gravitropism – is confused, and the grass gradually grows radially inward, forming a distinct pattern that visually represents the alterations in gravitational forces. “Lawn Centrifuge” is a fusion of kinetic earth art, astrobotanical machinery, and a green amusement park, drawing inspiration from the achievements of Lithuanian scientists who revolutionized astrobotany by successfully cultivating a plant from seed to seed in microgravity in the 80s. This project invites contemplation on the intricacies of space gardening and the ever-shifting ground beneath our very feet. It not only evokes a sense of disorientation but also challenges our perception of a stable horizon. Traditional ways of seeing and experiencing are rendered obsolete, and our sense of balance is disrupted. The horizon line swirls, spills out, destroying the modernist constructs of subject and object, time and space, as well as nature, culture, technology.