Brandon LaBelle
"Botanikus espiritos kannibalismo medios"


Considering the history of the Botanic Garden, and the Swedish expeditions in the early part of the 20th century, the work stages an imaginary take over of the Garden by Patagonian Indian tribes. From this perspective the Garden is perceived as emblematic of colonial history, where the seemingly innocuous gathering of plant life from around the world carries within it the problematics of European power. Carl Skottsberg’s travels in South America linger in the Garden as an unsteady weave of humanitarian curiosity and enlightenment philosophy, conditioning the Garden’s collection of flora. The project conjures the Alacaluf spirits lingering in the greenery, the blooms, and the soil, so as to visit the colonizing homeland as an occupying force.
– Brandon LaBelle




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