Confluence

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Artist: Kimberley Harding

Title: Confluence

Attribution: Confluence (2020) by Kimberley Harding and Laurie Bogden

Year: 2020

Materials: Rope, garden poles, reclaimed plastic bags, Tyvek, acrylic paint

Dimensions: 18 ft by 4.5 ft by 5 in.

Image Statement: Over many years human activity has had a negative effect on the well-being of the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers. The extremities of “Confluence” depict the pollution from the textile industry, mercury build up, and the excess silt and algae bloom caused by climate change. The rivers’ convergence in the center provides a brighter, more hopeful view, portraying local efforts to mitigate the damage. Since the 1970s efforts to improve the water quality and quantity, preserve habitats, and deal with invasive species have made improvements, but there is still much work to be done. As the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers converge, so should their neighbors also unite to preserve and improve this treasured river system.