A: art, animism, activism

This captivating trio of images from the 2022 production of The Secret Underground: A Glow World Experience by Friends of the Secret Underground (Molloy Murphy, 2022) offers a glimpse into the enchanting and interactive world of the exhibit.

In the first image, we see team members collaboratively bringing to life a giant mushroom, meticulously painting its stem to glow radiantly under blacklights. This scene takes place in the exhibit's beloved mushroom zone, where the combination of art and light creates a magical atmosphere that captivates all who enter.

The second image captures a tender moment with a child who has discovered a slug while engaging in the exhibit's activities. This moment underscores the exhibit's core belief that the earth is a living, breathing entity filled with countless beings, visible and invisible, each with their own significance and agency. It's a powerful reminder of the intricate web of life that surrounds us, inviting attendees to view the world with wonder and respect.

The final image introduces us to the child-beetle, a unique character envisioned and brought to life by a young participant. Adorned in a glowing costume, the child-beetle flutters about the exhibit, mimicking the movements of a beetle at the visitors' feet. This performance embodies the exhibit's aim to showcase the world as a dynamic, animate being, urging visitors to reconsider their place within it and to reflect on their interactions with the natural world. This image, in particular, encapsulates the activist spirit of the Friends of the Secret Underground, illustrating their commitment to fostering a deeper connection between people and the planet.