How might we forge more familial relationships with plants in this time of climate disruption?

Artist-in-residence donna davis has been working at the Queensland Herbarium alongside Dr Melinda Laidlaw, an ecologist focused on the study of pattern and change in Australian ecosystems, and Dr Melody Fabillo, botanist and imaging specialist to explore this very question. Using the vast herbarium collection and their state of the art imaging equipment, together they have been exploring new and curious microscopic worlds; coupling rigorous botanical research with creative experimentation to inspire artworks that may engender new and transformative human-plant relationship paradigms.

Climate change poses a threat to all life forms, ultimately this project seeks to explore the notion of interconnected well-being between plants and humans with respect to a changing climate and how we can understand, empathise and nurture this complex relationship in the age of climate stress.

This display provides a glimpse into the process that sits between science and art; showcasing how specimens and microscopy have inspired new artworks, including video, photography and soft sculpture.

IMAGE CREDIT:
Plunkett Mallee Study001, [digital still], donna davis, 2024, single channel video. Image captured by artist using scanning electron microscope, then artistically reinterpreted in the work. Image courtesy of the artist.
Melaleuca irbyana Study, [digital still], donna davis, 2024, single channel video. Image captured by artist using scanning electron microscope, then artistically reinterpreted in the work. Image courtesy of the artist.