In Convivium #1
With artist Alaa Abu Asad (and others)
As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I’m keen for this platform to be a catalyst for me to reach out to some of the many inspiring individuals and groups out there working in more progressive, reverential ways with plants and vegetation. And have rich conversations with them, and then share the outcomes with you.
My first invitee, artist Alaa Abu Asad, declined to be recorded yet we had a great conversation that hopefully won’t be the last. I spoke to Alaa via Zoom earlier this month, his work having recently been drawn to my attention by another artist friend. That work: challenging our perceptions of Japanese knotweed.
Alaa, currently based in Rotterdam, had been drawn to this enquiry after hearing a local conservation officer talk disparagingly of knotweed, and in rather xenophobic language. Not so unusual you might think, especially in a country, the Netherlands, that is very controlling of its man-made landscape - out of necessity, much of it being below sea level.
Alaa would not be the first ‘outsider’ to feel sensitive to the use of such language; many artists in particular appear to have been inspired in their practice by a sense of solidarity as they explore issues of belonging alongside (de)colonisation. Very much in the spirit of Plantae convivae, Alaa asks “can we look at knotweed as a green future companion?” Please do explore his work via the link above.
As with human beings, how we perceive any plant invites, concretises - in a very real way - that perception into our reality. Like me, Alaa is keen to convene a community of interest for those reframing plantae non gratae, with convivial outcomes like in-person collaboration and symposia. We’ll see where that goes and feel free to add momentum to our thoughts.
More generally, now would be an opportune moment to mention that I’ve initiated quarterly gatherings - online with a view to moving offline too - for UK-based ‘vegetal tribe’ as I’ve dubbed us, those keen to be more convivial with plants, in whatever way. A forum for insight sharing, mutual support, potential collaboration, and wider advocacy. Our next convivium will be in early January via Zoom. Message me if you’d like to join in.
Meanwhile, have a truly lovely week.