Third Nature: Public Art at Cambridge West, a New Innovation District

Cambridge West unveils a new public artwork, ‘Third Nature’, for the new innovation district. Join the artist group Troika in a panel discussion chaired by Andrew Nairne, Director, Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge. Crossing the boundaries of art and science, and exploring experiences of nature and landscape interposed by visual and other technologies, this event includes a close look at ‘Third Nature’ which consists of 15 native and non-native mature trees, carefully selected with the help of Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, and planted in a grid pattern typically associated with representations of tree libraries in digital visualisation software. Speakers include Jordan Kaplan from Contemporary Art Society and Professor Matthew Gandy from the Department of Geography.

Cambridge West is the home of world-class research and innovation. Purpose built by the University of Cambridge, Cambridge West is a collaborative place that attracts talent and innovation for societal impact. Third Nature is the new public artwork for a new innovation district and it supports our cultural placemaking and public engagement. The collaborative research process undertaken by the artists explores ideas at the intersection, replicating our science and innovation around Cambridge West.

Troika is a Franco-German contemporary art group formed by Eva Rucki, Conny Freyer and Sebastien Noel in 2003 who live and work in London. Working across media in sculpture, film, installation, and painting, their work contemplates humanity’s experiences and attitudes towards new technologies and how these transform our understanding and relationships to nature, each other and the wider world. Their artworks broach themes that include artificial intelligence, algorithmic data, forms of life, virtual and physical representation systems. Contemporary Art Society have supported Troika and the University through the commission of Third Nature.