Confluence - 2022, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center

con·flu·ence: the junction of two rivers, especially rivers of approximately equal width. An act or process of merging.

Jessica Ghyvoronsky's "Confluence" seeks to highlight the very real, similar and differing experiences that people shared globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors from all around the world have reflected upon their experiences, takeaways, hopes, frustrations, and wishes and have expressed those experiences onto the wishing willow trees that Ghyvoronsky constructed.

Her approach drew upon influences from her Korean heritage and traditions in a reimagined way. She built five life-size willow trees and invited viewers to reflect upon their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and then contribute their own expression of hopes, fears, wishes, frustrations, etc. directly onto the leaves. Her hope was that visitors would engage with the exhibition in a way that would allow them to work through their own feelings and experiences, honor the lives lost, and share their hopes for the future while connecting with other stories and perspectives through the process. Ghyvoronsky folded 1,000 paper origami lilies that were suspended from the ceiling, a twist on the "1000 paper crane" gift of good luck.

The background music was recorded and mixed in her home, featuring crystal singing bowls, prayer-singing, and nature sounds.

Hundreds of visitors contributed to the trees, sharing vulnerable accounts, devastating loss, hope and encouragement, as well as creative craft constructions.

The “Confluence” interactive installation was exhibited from June 2022 - January 2023 at the Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery Center Theatre. It was commissioned by curator Sarah Bloom alongside the Gates Discovery Center’s “Where Do We Go From Here” exhibition, which spotlighted essential workers, community leaders, scientists and others who have contributed to the greater good during the pandemic.

Many of the public’s contributions to the trees have been archived into the Gates Foundation’s permanent collection.

Confluence 2 - Amazon HQ

Confluence 2 - 2023, Amazon HQ, Seattle (As part of the Shunpike Storefronts Program)

Contributions from the original Confluence exhibition are re-presented in this window gallery, featuring poignant messages and drawings made by the public, including added well wishes and prayers from additional community members.