Botanical Role Play
explores non-normative plant-human relationships in times of planetary extinction. Feminism, queer theories and philosophy are used to challenges traditional plant representations and linking BDSM and ecology provides questions around ecological consent and human domination.
Humans endanger one in five plant species worldwide, one pressing aspect of the global biodiversity crises. Using my garden as a case study, this auto-theoretical thesis investigates why I overlook and devalue plants and how my plant-human relationship can be improved. My lack of care for plants is embedded in a human-centric belief that humans are not animals, but a superior species. It is reinforced by the binary concept of Nature versus Culture. Fundamental differences between plants and animals make identifi- cation and empathy difficult. I push plants into roles and use cases. Neither science nor educational institutions challenge my dominant perception, but reinforce separation, categori- zation, and oppression. Instead of looking at core parts of plants such as leaves and roots, I get distracted by the plant's reproductive organ - the flower. Looking at plants through a queer, feminist, and philosophical lens piques my interest. My relationship with plants is unexpectedly political, as I found parallels in other oppressive structures. Dualisms within gender, race, ableism, or class are also based on exclusion and control. Instead of feminizing Nature and emphasizing the female closeness to Nature, this concept must be dissolved in order to liberate any gender of their normative roles. Respectful interactions with the vegetal realm are collaborative. What I learn from plants is the valuation of hybridity, dysfunction, gender fluidity, non-normativity, and radical interdependence. Plants are queer, though their representation has to be queered to disrupt normativity. As a designer, it's my responsibility to replace these patterns.
[ PRESS KIT ]
Graduation Project M.A. Information Design
Design Academy Eindhoven 2022
@BASE, Milan 2023, 1st floor, Temporary Residency
@Dutch Design Week 2022, Microtuin#video, objects, workshop, exhibition
Tutors: Joost Grootens, Simon Davies, Gert Staal, Irene Stracucci,Sergi Casero, Mar Ginot Blanco, Gabriel A. Maher, Erik Viskil, Silvio Lorusso, Alice Wong
> In collaboration with my garden
MORE ABOUT IT
www.elledecor.com/it/best-of/a43521048/fuorisalone-milan
www.prfl.co.il
www.designdisaster.unibz.it (from 01:40 min)