PRIMA LINGUA

64 x 101 x 80″
Concrete, volcanic rock, mosses, ferns,
wetland plants, fish, steel

(First Language/First Tongue) is a monstrously large tongue that licks the polluted water in which it stands.  The mosses, liverworts and other plants that live on the surface are a fascinating microcosm that help clean air as well as filter the water.  Mosses are extremely efficient biochemical filters that are capable of absorbing even heavy metals, while the porous concrete substructure physically removes particulates.   Fish, snails, and plants live in the water that is pumped over the tongue.  The piece is a visible image of transformation, revealing decay as part of creation.

Prima Lingua is permanently installed in La Plaza Cultural Community Garden located on East 9th Street & Ave C in Manhattan.