On the necessity of gardening (ongoing)

“About the necessity of gardening” emerges from a profound desire to connect Arts and Sustainability within my artistic endeavors. This connection isn’t merely due to their current relevance, but primarily because of my prior engagement with both, albeit in somewhat superficial ways. Rather than simply juxtaposing aesthetics, I am intrigued by the conceptual intersections of these realms. This curiosity prompted me to explore where, conceptually, nature and art intersect. Among various possibilities, my exploration led me to focus on gardens. Gardens fascinate me not only because they embody human intervention in nature (a theme most evident in agriculture) but also because, in gardens, human intervention follows aesthetic intent.

Drawing inspiration from Emanuelle Coccia’s discussions on the purpose of flowers – their inherent drive for reproduction, perpetuating the species, and fostering dialogue – I pondered whether similar principles apply to art as the flower of the World.

My journey took an enriching turn when I encountered the book “ABC on the Necessity of Gardening.” This text provided insights into the intricate exchanges between humans and nature within spaces we define as gardens. This revelation inspired me to explore diverse landscapes and contexts where gardening manifests in varied forms. From the arid terrains of southern Spain, where human efforts strive to rejuvenate barren soils, to the lush complexity of Brazil’s Mata Atlântica, which engulfs urban spaces, I sought to immerse myself in different gardening environments. My aim was to delve into and perhaps initiate an intersubjective dialogue between humans and nature, fostering a cordial exchange, even solidarity.

As I ventured into these landscapes, visual concepts began to crystallize. Alongside this, a newfound aspiration emerged, as exemplified in “I cut through wherever I want” (2023): a desire for images not only to address present concerns but also to envision and pave the way for the future.