CHROMOFLAGE
New Works by Mallory Weston
Chromoflage explores the familiar landscapes of a digital world superimposed on the foliage of rare tropical plant specimens. Coincidentally, these lush species also lead a double life as popular houseplants with a sometimes cult-like following and appeal. How did this happen? Well for one, these striking plants make excellent content, with their splotches of pastel pink or polka dotted patterning or otherworldly solid white leaves. But there’s also the darker and more recent phenomenon of the desire to latch onto any other life form available to tend and care for during the months of isolation that we’re still enduring. The excitement and anticipation of watching a new leaf slowly unfurl or fresh buds appear after a long period of dormancy, something to look forward to during quarantine.
Constructed of anodized Titanium, my work echoes the sleek devices that we depend on every day. Titanium anodizing allows me to capture botanical color palettes while simultaneously providing a material link to cutting edge computing technology. I investigate the connection between natural imagery and forms of technology that mediate our existence. Consider plant propagation, with enough care and attention, you can swap cuttings and grow an entirely new plant from a single leaf. Nodes can take root and lead to exponential generations of offspring. This growth mimics the spread of information and virality seen in the online ecosystem.
Exhibition dates: October 15-November 20, 2021. an opening reception was held on Friday, October 15 from 5 - 8 pm