DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/WEER-FF53
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Photography & Film
First Advisor
Paul Thulin
Second Advisor
John Freyer
Third Advisor
Hope Ginsburg
Abstract
Using plants as a basis for exploring the interstices between the human and nonhuman, this thesis investigates ideas of awareness, intelligence, deep time, animism, and the fluctuating human perception of the agency of Nature. It outlines environmental art practices since the 1950s involving vegetal life. In addition, the paper provides a critical analysis of plant perception of Jakob von Uexküll’s work and theories of vital materialism and “critical plant studies” while noting recent studies in plant neurobiology. In my work, plants become active participants via their movement, seeding, and smell. This study takes the form of imitation, purposeful symbiosis, anthropomorphism, and touch and uses an interdisciplinary practice involving various experiments, video, and plant life. In suggesting a new possible understanding of plants, the work argues for a new ecological ethos in a time when global warming weighs heavily on world policy and consciousness.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-7-2015
Included in
Animal Studies Commons, Botany Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Horticulture Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Other Life Sciences Commons, Other Philosophy Commons, Other Plant Sciences Commons, Photography Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons, Weed Science Commons