STILL LIFE
Painted MDF, coated glass, paited metal, electronic components, CFL light bulbs, plastic, pre-
fertilized soil, wheat seeds, time
"Still Life" is an intricate artwork that transcends traditional boundaries, combining elements of
sculpture, biology, and technology to explore the liminal space between existence and dormancy.
With a nod to the history of art and the genre of still life painting, "Still Life" embodies a profound
engagement with the concept of life extension and manipulation through technological means.
The genesis of this work traces back to 2015, following the observation of a cauliflower plant in
a state of suspended animation within a small container—neither growing nor perishing. This
observation led to a novel insight into the potential for significantly extending the natural lifespan
of plants through manipulation. "Still Life" brings this insight to life by keeping a wheat plant on the
brink of life and death. Algorithms meticulously regulate environmental variables to provide the
plant with just enough to remain alive but not enough to grow, bloom, or reproduce. Encased within
a 10mm thick glass barrier and equipped with fail-safe mechanisms, the plant is rendered nearly
immortal, virtually isolated from its surroundings.
This work explores the tension between natural growth and technological stasis, presenting a
living organism perpetually fixed in time. By controlling the plant’s ability to reproduce, "Still Life"
comments on the human impulse to domesticate and commodify nature. It draws viewers into a
contemplative, silent space illuminated by cold white light, where advanced technology maintains
a delicate equilibrium between life and the denial of fulfillment. "Still Life" thus raises profound
ethical and philosophical questions about life manipulation, the essence of existence without
development, and the ramifications of human control over the natural world.
fertilized soil, wheat seeds, time
"Still Life" is an intricate artwork that transcends traditional boundaries, combining elements of
sculpture, biology, and technology to explore the liminal space between existence and dormancy.
With a nod to the history of art and the genre of still life painting, "Still Life" embodies a profound
engagement with the concept of life extension and manipulation through technological means.
The genesis of this work traces back to 2015, following the observation of a cauliflower plant in
a state of suspended animation within a small container—neither growing nor perishing. This
observation led to a novel insight into the potential for significantly extending the natural lifespan
of plants through manipulation. "Still Life" brings this insight to life by keeping a wheat plant on the
brink of life and death. Algorithms meticulously regulate environmental variables to provide the
plant with just enough to remain alive but not enough to grow, bloom, or reproduce. Encased within
a 10mm thick glass barrier and equipped with fail-safe mechanisms, the plant is rendered nearly
immortal, virtually isolated from its surroundings.
This work explores the tension between natural growth and technological stasis, presenting a
living organism perpetually fixed in time. By controlling the plant’s ability to reproduce, "Still Life"
comments on the human impulse to domesticate and commodify nature. It draws viewers into a
contemplative, silent space illuminated by cold white light, where advanced technology maintains
a delicate equilibrium between life and the denial of fulfillment. "Still Life" thus raises profound
ethical and philosophical questions about life manipulation, the essence of existence without
development, and the ramifications of human control over the natural world.