Nothing endures and human actions accelerate this fact. This idea is brought to life in a deconstructed, full-scale diorama of sorts, in Michael McGillis’ solo show Reckoning a Peripheral Wilderness, which runs May 19 through June 30 at Public Pool art space in Hamtramck. A mixed-media installation, the show explores patterns and evidence of a downgraded wilderness—the type of thing that thrives just outside your door.

“I’ve developed a ‘place’ sensitivity and an attraction to human interference marking the landscape,” McGillis explains. “But what’s reassuring is that even in this environment, wilderness perseveres.” As evidence, McGillis points to urban coyotes, creeks that meander though industrial areas, and the activity in his own backyard.  

In the installation, McGillis creates a kind of personal survey of ‘wilderness’ in his immediate surroundings. His documentation takes the form of common OSB plywood, cardboard, found objects, natural materials and video. Because Public Pool has a large front window, McGillis has made the view from the street a key part of the artwork.

“By dividing the interior and exterior impressions of the installation, I want to emphasize point-of-view and also provide a passive, ‘street’ experience,” he explains.

The relationship between the wilderness and human intervention had been a predominate theme in McGillis’ work. A graduate of the College for Creative Studies, McGillis has spent the last decade creating sculptures interwoven into the natural landscape. He has been noted among the likes of land artists such as Andy Goldworthy and Nils-Udo for his installations like “Flow Line” in Auvergne, France and “Wake” in the Franconia Sculpture Park in Minnesota.

Reckoning a Peripheral Wilderness begins with an opening party on May 19 from 7-11 p.m. Refreshments provided courtesy of Traffic Jam & Snug Restaurant.