A Proposal for the Forest of Dean 1988

Curator: This is "A Proposal for the Forest of Dean" by Ian Hamilton Finlay and Gary Hincks, completed in 1988. The work features a delicate line drawing of a forest scene, along with text describing stone plaques inscribed with the word "silence" in multiple languages. Editor: It's immediately calming. The careful rendering of the trees and the still water create a profound sense of peace. The texture in the bark contrasts nicely with the flat water surface. Curator: Indeed. Finlay often explored the intersection of nature, language, and art. The plaques, presented visually, suggest a layering of meaning through the multilingual inscriptions. Editor: Silence, as a symbol, transcends language. It becomes a universally understood state of being, amplified by the woodland setting. It invites contemplation on nature as sanctuary. Curator: The choice of languages—English, French, German, Italian—also implies a broader European cultural context for this idea of seeking serenity. Editor: Ultimately, Finlay prompts us to consider silence not merely as the absence of sound, but as an active, resonant presence within the landscape and within ourselves. A subtle but powerful work.