Infestation/Welcome In, paper, sound, photographs, 2024, Dimensions variable

to explore the complexities of the concept of infestation. This work uses spotted lanternflies to consider how humans behave when their health and security is threatened by a perceived invader. The spotted lanternfly is a planthopper indigenous to China. This insect has recently spread to the United States where its reproductive success and feeding habits have led it to threaten local cash crops. Residents are encouraged to kill the creature on sight, a casual violence that reveals the anxiety of our perilous position on Earth. Mass killing of insects is a complicated ecological position to inhabit wholeheartedly. And the spotted lanternfly is exceptionally beautiful. My installation highlights the insect’s delicate beauty with paper replicas as it activates the discomfort of being closely surrounded by too many of an unwelcome visitor.

Regan Avery is an interdisciplinary artist working in photography, sound, video, and installation. Avery has shown work nationally in exhibitions at the Newspace Center for Photography, Portland; Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester; Pen & Brush Gallery, NYC; Wallspace Gallery, Seattle; and the Center for Photography at Woodstock, and internationally at interfilm, Berlin and el Trompo, Tijuana, among others. She has attended residencies at the School of Visual Arts and the Vermont Studio Center.

www.reganavery.com

@regan.avery