Love Letters to the Land
Love Letters to the Land is an ongoing participatory artwork by Karl Murphy, first developed in 2023 following his exhibition I Extend My Arms with ArtHouse Jersey. The project invites people to write personal love letters to the land on pink, perfumed paper, combining poetic practice with environmental reflection.
Inspired by the love letters of Claude Cahun and the ancient Irish Aisling tradition, the sessions begin with accessible poetic exercises before building toward the final letter. The process is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of writing experience, and encourages deep, emotional connection to place.
The project was initially developed with Jersey Heritage for their Claude Cahun weekend and has since expanded through workshops with schools, community groups, and public audiences. Each session adds to a growing archive of letters that will eventually form a large-scale immersive installation made up of thousands of contributions.
In 2024, the project was featured on ITV News and praised for its inclusive approach to environmental engagement. For Murphy, it is both a poetic ritual and an act of collective care, offering a space for people to express longing, memory, and love for the world around them.
