The exhibition Life of Plants focuses on our relationship with plants. Plants create life for all organisms by providing us with oxygen, food, medicine, clothes, energy and colour. And yet, we have little regard for them and tend to see plants only as means for decoration and consumption. We suffer from plant blindness. That is a problem if we want to survive climate crisis, as we need plants more than ever.
Artists and scientists can open our eyes for plants and their unique qualities. In Life of Plants artists Arja Hop and Peter Svenson, Elspeth Diederix, Špela Petrič and Oscar Santillán present their perspectives on plant life. Scientists of various fields will share their research in the ART SCIENCE dialogues, organized together with Amsterdam Sustainability Institute (ASI).
The exhibition opened on 17 November with a green performance by artist PJ Roggeband, honoring the work of the eccentric botanic and guerilla gardener Ellen Willmott (1858-1934).
Emanuele Coccia’s La vie des plantes
The title is based on the book La vie des plantes (2016) by Emanuele Coccia. The Italian philosopher states that we should analyze all elements of life through plants. Plants give life to the Earth: they produce the atmosphere that surrounds us, With their roots in the ground and leaves up in the air they are connected to all elements of life. They form complex networks and exchange ingredients to create a sustainable ecosystem. With their flexibility and strength they can adapt to the most difficult circumstances. Plants give and sustain life.
Life of Plants
Exhibition: November 17, 2023 – March 30, 2024
VU ART SCIENCE gallery
Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6 PM
For current information about the ART SCIENCE dialogues and the participants: www.artsciencegallery.nl
In collaboration with: Amsterdam Sustainability Institute
