Art Installation in Seattle Explores Themes of Climate Change and Persistence
A review from The Stranger highlights "...flowers are not supposed to last," an art installation by Kalina Chung at Actualize AiR in Seattle. The piece features a flower sculpture made of lycra stretched over a metal armature, planted in a…
Seattle Tacoma, WA, August 17, 2026 —
An art installation titled “…flowers are not supposed to last,” by artist Kalina Chung, is currently on display at Actualize AiR in Seattle. The work, reviewed by The Stranger, uses a sculptural element to engage with themes of environmental change and enduring presence.
The installation features a flower sculpture constructed from lycra fabric, stretched over a metal armature. This floral form is positioned within a block of ice, serving as its foundation. The intended progression of the artwork centers on the natural process of the ice melting.
As the ice gradually melts, the structural support for the flower is diminished, leading to its eventual toppling. According to the review, this central event in the artwork is interpreted by the reviewer as a commentary on climate change and the concept of persistence in the face of inevitable decay or transformation.
The specific materials used, lycra and metal, combined with the ephemeral medium of ice, create a dynamic that is both visually striking and conceptually rich. The location, Actualize AiR, provides a platform for artistic exploration within the city of Seattle.
The reviewer from The Stranger notes the transient nature of the artwork, stating that “flowers are not supposed to last.” This phrase encapsulates the temporary existence of the installation and reflects broader ideas about natural cycles, environmental pressures, and the human capacity to persist or adapt.
Story summarized from the original created by Amanda Manitach on www.thestranger.com, see more information here.
