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The symbolic meaning of plants, their relevance to religion and the metaphorical provocations in the order of knowledge, culture and political power underline the role of plants as something more than passive objects. Current theoretical and artistic discourses have been seeking access to the world independently of man by focusing on the nonhuman other. The contributors to this volume examine the historical, philosophical and scientific findings that generate this idea. In what way are such perspectives manifest in contemporary art? Do artists develop a particular approach that enables nonhuman life forms like plants, insects or animals to have an impact?
About the author
Sabine Flach (Prof. Dr. phil.) ist Professorin für moderne und zeitgenössische Kunst an der Universität Graz, Österreich, und ist Vorsitzende der Abteilung Zeitgenössische Kunst am Institut für Kunst- und Musikwissenschaft, Universität Graz. Sie ist Mitglied der Fakultät an der SVA, School of Visual Arts, NYC und Professorin an der University of Cincinnati.
Summary
The symbolic meaning of plants, their relevance to religion and the metaphorical provocations in the order of knowledge, culture and political power underline the role of plants as something more than passive objects. Current theoretical and artistic discourses have been seeking access to the world independently of man by focusing on the nonhuman other. The contributors to this volume examine the historical, philosophical and scientific findings that generate this idea. In what way are such perspectives manifest in contemporary art? Do artists develop a particular approach that enables nonhuman life forms like plants, insects or animals to have an impact?
