The first thing of note at the Earth on Stone on Earth is Naturally So exhibit, now at Flashpoint gallery, is the smell. A musky, damp, soil smell envelops you immediately and is a soothing contrast to the hot concrete outside. It’s the equivalent of getting out of the city, finding that perfect hiking trail in the early morning, and breathing in the damp cool earth; exhaling the stale city air. The smell emanates from the sod covering the majority of the floor and trailing up a small hill, drawing your eye to the back wall where a video of the outdoors, by Evan Wells, is playing.

Throughout the exhibit are several “islands” that explore the use of urban space for green roofs, agriculture and other habitats. Each planted roof sits on top of a black pedestal box with a quote or thought, lit up from inside. The greenery will grow and decay through the course of the exhibit; such cycles and the relationship between the natural elements and their urban setting are what artist Karl Krause and the other collaborating artists seek to explore.

Bird, a planted roof by Karl Krause, Evan Wells and Kelly McCoy, is covered in chicken wire that creates a makeshift aviary. Enclosed within are two blue parakeets sitting on a dowel. A dish filled with seed and another with water sits on the bottom of the enclosure. The chicken wire is held up by four wings carved out of clear lucite or plexi-glass, emphasizing the little inhabitants. Yes, the birds are real.

In Heat Island, also by Krause, Wells and McCoy, the use of plants, wood, rock, light and thermometers clearly have a purpose. Each area of the roof has a thermometer showing a different temperature; the lowest temperature is where the roof is covered in plants. Other roofs explore the different possibilities of “green” urban space beyond energy efficiency and animal habitats. The roofs that investigate options for urban agriculture seem not that far out of reach, as this use is being investigated as a viable option for developing countries and roof top gardens are becoming more common in the U.S.

Other artworks that explore “green” roof burials push the envelope beyond the mainstream. While the concept of developing urban green space is fascinating and en vogue, the exhibit takes a turn towards the trite here. Prior to the exhibit several of the artists were buried up to their necks in dirt at cooperating public parks. Photographs of this, along with their thoughts on their experience line the walls of the gallery. Those participating in the live burials “contemplated material constitution and their own vitality,” exploring their relationship with the elements.

The photographs and text engravings of the burials are not framed, adding to the casual feel of the exhibit, but they seem slightly naive, largely due to the pretentious subject matter presented so plainly. One artist explains his experience of being buried to that of his friend’s father’s recent death, while another is thankful for being biodegradable.

Earth on Stone on Earth is Naturally so is at Flashpoint through Aug. 31, 2007. Located at 916 G Street NW, Flashpoint is open Tuesday – Saturday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.