ArtEZ Press Essay Issues 2 - Roo(u)ting

The word “vegetative” usually brings to mind passiveness and decay. But vegetal matter is, in fact, a source of existence, sustenance, peace, beauty, and hope. When plants join in rhizomatic networks, they participate in a lively exchange of energy and information. Performance artist and writer Anushka Nair proposes a conceptual and artistic methodology in the context of plant life, encouraging an embodied form of co-existence. Nair thus offers a unique perspective on connecting with plants, moving beyond traditional human-centric thinking. ‘Roo(u)ting’ mirrors this process to foster deep, symbiotic relationships with the natural world, leading to a harmonious existence.