Veget:abillity
is oriented towards exploring the emergent field of neurobiology and researching communication between vegetal life and other species, like fungi, insects, humans, etc.
The aim is to research and develop interfaces to access, illuminate and play with plants, in the widest sense, embracing the notion of (broadly defined) cognition, both in tangible and conceptual ways.
Following the ongoing research, we propose to include explorations of the in-between- spaces (anti-disciplinary view) that are left uncovered by linear / strict scientific approaches.
Moreover, we expand the focus to natural systems and their complexity, broadening the research in order to look at systems of plants and their pollinators or ecological systems.
Through a trans-disciplinary, transversal approach, we interweave scientific research (methods and findings), artistic practices and experiments and invite scientists, artists, public bodies, citizens, etc. to collaborate.
The aim is to work within a network of professional organisations (education and research institutions, artist organizations, municipalities, forestry, agriculture, e.g.), and individual experts (scientists, citizen scientists, artists, creatives...) in various countries in Europe and beyond.
The work is carried out in existing research and education institutes, practice based facilities (botanic gardens, forests, nature centers), living rooms and private gardens (citizen science), as well as artistic venues and in public places.
It is long term and process based.
Vegetal Speed Dating is an experiment along these lines.
The intervention „Vegetal SpeedDating“ by Christina Stadlbauer and Regula Heggli is based on the principle that plants are living beings and that beings can relate to one another. Plants show aspects of individuality and personality. This participatory performance was done at the Plantarium Conference in Linköping, in June 2017.
Please find more here.