Chantal Calato (b. 1982)

"From the artist:

When you drive into Niagara Falls on the 190, you’re welcomed by a monstrously large grassy hill. Consuming 385 acres of land and standing 10 stories high, this toxic LANDFILL is larger in scale than Niagara Falls and claims the highest elevation in the area. The morphing green mound is collectively known in the community as MOUNT CECOS

MOUNT CECOS (the sculpture) is also a landfill, but filled with Calato’s own nonbiodegradable garbage. The grassy base is leftover sequin fabric from an old project, and the 100,000 pieces of grass were made from hand-painted fringe.

The verdant sculptural mound belies the darkness beneath.

The next time you drive into Niagara Falls, if you take the time to look closely, you’ll see noxious pipes protruding from the grassy surface. A vast moat surrounds MOUNT CECOS, desperately struggling to keep it contained. Eventually, it will swallow the city as we continue to shop at the outlet mall, go to school, play golf and buy our groceries all in the shadow of this growing LANDFILL."