Reclaiming Presence: Toward a New Understanding of Plants

Reflections on Giovanni Aloi’s Why Look at Plants?

Nov 07, 2024

With the recent conclusion of the U.S. elections, I feel a deep sense of sadness and worry about the future of environmental policies. In a world increasingly aware of its ecological fragility, leaders who deny the reality of climate change represent a significant setback—a regression—for both humankind and the planet. Under administrations that disregard environmental science, the progress needed to address urgent climate issues may falter. For those of us attuned to the rhythms and needs of Mother Earth, such policies strike at the heart of our responsibility to protect and honor all forms of life.

a person holding a black sign — Photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash

This backdrop of environmental neglect makes works like Giovanni Aloi’s Why Look at Plants? especially poignant. In his exploration of “plant-blindness” and the often-overlooked agency of plants, Aloi reminds us that addressing the climate crisis requires not only action but a fundamental shift in how we perceive and value the natural world. By reclaiming the presence of plants and recognizing their vital roles, we can begin to reshape a more inclusive, respectful vision for the future—one where human and nonhuman lives are viewed as equally essential to the balance of life on Earth.

1. Reclaiming the Value of Plants in Culture

In recent years, the call to “reclaim the value of nature” has grown, not only in ecological discourse but within the arts and humanities. Why Look at Plants?, by Giovanni Aloi, presents an illuminating examination of the often unseen or overlooked role of plants in human culture, shifting our perspective beyond mere aesthetics or resources. Much like John Berger’s influential work Why Look at Animals?, which criticized the superficial ways animals are viewed and represented in media, Aloi turns our attention to what he terms “plant-blindness.” This phenomenon reveals our limited cultural framework for understanding plants as anything more than decorative or utilitarian objects.

Aloi’s work invites us to look at plants with fresh eyes, seeing them as integral, dynamic participants in our world, whose role goes beyond the functional. This shift is essential for fostering a richer environmental consciousness, especially in a time when understanding interconnection within ecosystems is crucial. Through this lens, plants emerge not only as life forms but as beings with an inherent agency and silent resilience that we, as humans, have too often overlooked.

This perspective aligns with the spirit of my work on Madame Planta, where I explore the intersections of art, nature, and consciousness. By bringing art and nature closer, we can begin to undo the habitual objectification that distances us from the very life forms that sustain our world. Why Look at Plants? challenges us to dismantle these old perspectives, reclaiming a more intentional, nuanced relationship with the plant world.

2. Understanding Plant-Blindness and Cultural Limitations

One of the most compelling ideas in Why Look at Plants? is the concept of “plant-blindness.” Originally coined by botanists James H. Wandersee and Elisabeth E. Schussler in 1998, the term captures the cultural tendency to overlook plants or reduce them to resources or mere aesthetics, which subtly erodes our ability to see them as active participants in life. Just as animal representation has been critiqued for reinforcing human-centered narratives, the portrayal of plants has been similarly restrictive, often casting them as passive, ornamental, or simply as “green backdrops” to human affairs.

Aloi argues that this mindset reflects a broader limitation in cultural and philosophical thought, where plants are rarely considered as beings with their own value and agency. This “plant-blindness” restricts us, not only from fully appreciating the richness of plant life but also from recognizing the essential roles plants play in ecological systems. It’s a perspective that needs rethinking, especially in the face of climate and biodiversity crises.

By acknowledging these limitations, Aloi suggests that our relationship with plants can evolve into one of respect and curiosity, viewing them not just as “things” but as integral parts of our shared ecosystems. This approach encourages a more inclusive, expansive view of the natural world, one that resonates deeply with my artistic exploration of plant consciousness and interconnectedness on Madame Planta. If we begin to dismantle plant-blindness, we open ourselves to a deeper, more ecologically aware relationship with nature as a whole.

3. Beyond Resources: Plants as Agents in Ecological Systems

In Why Look at Plants?, Aloi presents plants as dynamic agents within ecosystems, challenging the conventional notion of plants as static resources. This perspective brings forth an understanding of plants not only as entities with their own agency but as key players in sustaining ecological balance. By examining plant life through this lens, Aloi reveals how plants interact with their surroundings, adapting, responding, and even communicating in ways that science is only beginning to uncover.

This view resonates with recent studies showing that plants engage in complex networks of communication, whether through root systems, biochemical signaling, or symbiotic relationships. Aloi emphasizes that plants are more than passive life forms—they are deeply involved in the web of life, influencing and shaping their environments. This reframing aligns with posthumanist ideas that advocate for seeing nonhuman life forms as having intrinsic value, independent of their utility to humans.

For my work on Madame Planta, this concept of plants as sentient or responsive beings directly connects with the exploration of plant consciousness and the interaction between sound and plant life. Recognizing plants as ecological agents invites a richer, more interactive approach to our relationship with the natural world, encouraging us to view plants as allies rather than mere resources.

4. The Role of Contemporary Art in Challenging Plant Objectification

Aloi argues that contemporary art has a unique role in challenging the objectification of plants, as it offers a space to reframe and reimagine our perception of the vegetal world. Through various artistic explorations—whether in galleries, installations, or public art—plants are increasingly being portrayed as more than decorative objects. Instead, they are positioned as complex beings with stories, histories, and agency, inviting viewers to consider their silent yet active presence in a new light.

In Why Look at Plants?, Aloi examines how different spaces—forests, gardens, greenhouses, and even laboratories—serve as sites where plants and humans intersect in layered, often symbolic ways. Each of these spaces fosters different types of relationships with plants, pushing the boundaries of how we understand them. Contemporary art, by placing plants in unconventional contexts, disrupts the habitual ways we see and engage with them. This approach has the power to dissolve the boundaries between human and plant life, urging us to rethink how we coexist with the natural world.

For Madame Planta, this concept aligns perfectly with my artistic vision. By integrating art, sound, and natural elements, my work seeks to engage audiences in a sensory experience that goes beyond observation, inviting them to “listen” to plants and feel their presence. In this way, art becomes a transformative tool, challenging us to see plants not as passive objects but as integral parts of a shared ecosystem with valuable voices of their own.

5. A Call for a Posthumanist Approach

Aloi concludes with a powerful call for posthumanism, encouraging a shift in perspective that transcends human-centered thinking. Drawing from thinkers like Donna Haraway and Timothy Morton, he proposes that we move beyond the notion of humans as the dominant agents of the world. Instead, posthumanism advocates for a worldview that recognizes all life forms, including plants, as interdependent beings that shape each other’s existence. This philosophy invites us to see plants as active participants in our shared ecosystem, with agency, responsiveness, and an intelligence that has historically been overlooked.

In Why Look at Plants?, Aloi argues that embracing a posthumanist view is crucial for addressing the environmental and ecological crises we face. This perspective encourages us to challenge traditional hierarchies that place humans above other life forms, which is essential for fostering a more respectful and sustainable relationship with the earth. By adopting this view, we not only expand our understanding of plants but also deepen our awareness of how interconnected all beings truly are.

For my work on Madame Planta, posthumanism offers a framework that aligns seamlessly with my explorations of plant consciousness, sound art, and ecological mindfulness. It’s a philosophy that supports my aim to dissolve boundaries between humans and the plant world, encouraging an awareness that moves beyond utility and into empathy and mutual respect. Through this lens, my work becomes part of a broader movement to recognize the intrinsic value of all life, inviting audiences to cultivate a relationship with nature that is both mindful and inclusive.

Conclusion: Toward a Deeper Connection with the Plant World

Reflecting on Why Look at Plants? has reaffirmed my own journey of seeing plants not merely as silent, passive beings but as active, complex participants in the ecosystems we all share. Aloi’s work underscores an essential shift—one that asks us to go beyond superficial engagement and into a more intentional, respectful relationship with plants. This approach resonates deeply with my vision for Madame Planta, where I aim to explore the hidden worlds of plants, not only as subjects of study or artistic expression but as entities with wisdom to share.

Through my work, I seek to foster a space where plants are recognized not only for their ecological value but for the sense of wonder, grounding, and insight they offer us. In listening to them—whether through sound art, botanical studies, or simply through quiet observation—I believe we can rediscover what it means to be part of a world that is intricately connected and alive with intelligence. As we stand at a critical point for our planet, embracing this awareness feels like both a calling and a responsibility.

In essence, Why Look at Plants? is a reminder that plants have much to teach us if we are willing to look and listen. By incorporating this perspective into my work, I hope to contribute to a broader, evolving dialogue—one that nurtures curiosity, empathy, and a renewed respect for the natural world. For me, this journey isn’t only about observing plants but about learning to see through their presence, inviting others to feel the life that pulses quietly but powerfully all around us.

PS. Take a moment this week to sit with a plant, breathe in sync with its quiet presence, and allow yourself to be carried by the rhythms of nature. I invite you to slow down, listen, and root yourself in the wisdom that is always there, waiting to be seen and heard. 🌿🍵🎶🪴✨🧘‍♀️ For a musical companion to this experience, explore my playlist—a selection crafted to deepen your connection with the natural world🌱.

Madame Planta curated playlist 🌱

Madame Planta