New Media Installation, Paper-craft, FM synthesis
Flora is an interactive installation that utilizes Paper Craft sculptures and photo-resistors. Viewers are encouraged to play with the sculptures by waving their hands above them or blocking out the light to play musical notes.
I developed this installation having in mind a need for reconnection with nature. But also, by being mindful of the
effects we can contribute to the environment. All plants have a way of communicating with each other and
responding to stress, either through chemicals or electrical signals (“Do Plants Feel Pain” 80). Plants work on a
different timescale to be comprehended, too fast and ultrasonic for us to hear and visually too slow to be observed
to move independently (with certain exceptions).
effects we can contribute to the environment. All plants have a way of communicating with each other and
responding to stress, either through chemicals or electrical signals (“Do Plants Feel Pain” 80). Plants work on a
different timescale to be comprehended, too fast and ultrasonic for us to hear and visually too slow to be observed
to move independently (with certain exceptions).
The behaviour of plants inspired me to build a soundscape, where the viewers may physically hear the effects of their disturbances in specific environments. This brings up the question of what our role is in this ecosystem, do the “plants” play music to welcome a symbiotic relationship? Or are the sounds a preventative measure to ward off predators?
Hamilton, Adam, and Justin McBrayer. “Do Plants Feel Pain?” Disputatio (Lisbon, Portugal), vol. 12, no. 56, 2020, pp. 71–98, https://doi.org/10.2478/disp-2020-0003.
The project was started in early spring 2022. I recently had the opportunity to develop it further during the CAMP Artist Residency hosted by the Marion Nicoll Gallery, facilitated by Rocio Graham. Florae was installed in the same gallery for the Dis.Connect group show featuring several works from participating artists.
The installation was exhibited from Sept 5 - 19 ,2022.
I would also like to thank Richard Perrott for awarding me with the Stanford Perrott Innovation Scholarship and Michael Stuart. Which helped fund the development and research process for this project.