Deep within the heart of the forest, ancient and magical creatures dwell. Towering, timeworn trees have long been home to countless living beings—animals, insects, and, as whispered in folklore, ethereal beings such as fairies. Together, they safeguard the trees, illuminating them with colors, symbols and patterns unseen by the human eye. Yet, for those who pause, who take the time to truly observe, listen, and feel, the unseen magic may begin to reveal itself. ‘In the Middle of Everything’ is an in situ installation, conceived specifically for the site of Imago, nestled within a preserved natural sanctuary. This project serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of forests—an invitation to recognize them as vital, living ecosystems that demand our care and respect. In return, nature, with its unseen guardians, might reward us in the most
unexpected and wondrous ways.

For when we stand among these enchanted trees, we find ourselves in the middle of
everything.

Marcy is the recipient of the 2025 Vance Wadell residency program at the Wave Pool gallery.

Artist Statement

My interdisciplinary practice spans various mediums, including photography, print, installation,

text, performance, video, textile, and more. Over the past years, I have experimented with

numerous tools and materials as a process to develop each new artwork. While there may not

always be material similarities between different projects, they are connected by recurring political

concerns such as social identity and justice, feminism, and ecology. From a poetic and narrative

perspective, my work is also inspired by the concepts of territories and natural landscapes, as

well as folkloric and pagan traditions. As a result, my creations take on a wide range of forms and

sizes, producing diverse experiences accordingly.

My work critically examines social, political, and cultural issues, particularly those surrounding

gender, feminism, and working-class conditions. Often referencing personal memories, familial

trauma, and its effects on memory, my work explores the complex relationships between popular

culture, the status of women, and personal experiences. The pursuit of social justice and

reparation drives me to create these pieces, not only for myself but also because I believe art has

the power to educate. Therefore, I strive for my work to be as straightforward and accessible as

possible, using elements of narration, truth, violence, and beauty.

Deeply influenced by other artistic disciplines such as poetry, writing, and theatre, I often integrate

these genres into my works and multi-disciplinary installations. I view these as fragments or

mementos that I use to construct or deconstruct a storysometimes fictional, sometimes real,

and sometimes a blend of boththrough various materials, including objects, textiles,

photographs, and videos.

Driven by my environmentalist convictions, I have also developed an urgent interest in

representing the natural world and landscapes from an ecofeminist perspective. This led me to

explore the representation of folkloric and pageant myths and traditions as a political, eco-

conscious and feminist tool from a contemporary point of view. Broadly, these explorations have

allowed me to envision the notion of rites, legends, folklore and occult as a way to merge art,

tradition, magic, and activism.

My work invites the audience to immerse themselves in a dialogue that spans personal memory,

cultural critique, and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. By

challenging conventional narratives and merging diverse artistic disciplines, I aim to create pieces

that are both accessible and thought-provoking. What sets my work apart is its ability to blend

personal and political narratives to offer fresh perspectives on contemporary issues. As these

stories unfold, I hope to inspire continued reflection, urging the viewer to consider their place

within these narratives and to explore the ever-evolving relationship between art, society, and nature.

Photo Gallery

Meet the artist:

Marcy Petit

Marcy Petit

Marcy Petit is a French interdisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, installation,

performance, video, sound, textile, and beyond. She studied Fine Art at the University of

Rennes and earned a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art Management from the University of

Leeds and Paris 8. After living in the U.K. for many years, she now lives and works in San

Francisco, California.

Marcy’s diverse body of work critically engages with social, political, and cultural issues, with

a particular focus on gender, feminism, social identity, and environmental concerns. Her

creations are often rooted in personal memories and familial trauma, exploring the intersections

of popular culture, the female condition, and lived experiences. Guided by her belief in the

educational power of art, she aims to craft accessible and thought-provoking pieces that

combine elements of narration, truth, violence, and beauty.

Her practice is influenced by a wide range of artistic disciplines, including poetry, writing, and

theatre, which she often integrates into her installations. She approaches these works as

fragments or mementos, constructing and deconstructing narratives that weave together the real

and the fictional.

Driven by a deep ecofeminist perspective, Marcy’s recent work reflects an urgent interest in the

natural world and landscapes, invoking folklore and myths as a feminist and political tool. Her

exploration of these themes allows her to merge art, magic, and activism, creating a unique

dialogue that challenges conventional narratives and invites viewers to consider their place

within these complex stories.

Having exhibited internationally, Marcy Petit continues to develop new projects that invite

audiences into a dynamic conversation about the ever-evolving relationships between art,

society, and nature

Trails Open Dawn to Dusk

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Cincinnati, OH 45205

office@imagoearth.org

(513) 921-5124

Through our preservation of urban nature, our hands-on green workshops, and our education programs for youth, Imago is fostering an exciting, sustainable future that benefits us all.

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