Black Herbarium
2019 Installation-performance for Artagon Live
Printed and hung "live," the plants once again invade the exhibition space. After inking and passing under the press, the plants appear as though oil-slicked, frozen in place, reflecting an image less alive than the one left on paper. These used, blackened plants litter the floor beside their own image.
By revealing how the image is made, the installation-performance seeks to raise questions about the "aestheticization" of nature, questioning the ways in which we attempt to protect and preserve it. But also other questions tied to the production of an artwork or an image. Must something be made beautiful in order to be protected? Must something be destroyed in order to be preserved?
Exhibition views, Artagon live, Cité des arts de Montmartre, villa Radet. photos ©Marie Genin
Thanks to Daniel Rovaletto, Laurent Charbonnier & Beaux Arts Digne for the printmaking press.
Thanks to Daniel Rovaletto, Laurent Charbonnier & Beaux Arts Digne for the printmaking press.