neophyt | munich

This, this place of healing this fire-fueled fortress of a building that houses the odd and obscure, the painfully hyperaware and the ones one wishes you always wanted, worried and worn, makeshift and dusty, dirty even, compared to the curated traditionalism of blacklist and backlighting.

Neophyt examined the act of knowing the other as a form of self-defense through wildcrafting with invasive plant species. Invasive plants, often introduced by human activity, have the potential to change entire landscapes and drive other species extinct. Many are well-suited to warm climates and will thrive as a result of climate change. Through the study of invasive species found in Munich, the creation of natural dyes used to color towels used in the Dirty Care installation, and a lecture/workshop focused on the practical use of a chosen species, I aim to question the fear around invasive species, and instead examine their possibilities. These plants can tell stories about our relationship with the landscape of the city, the use of botany in self-care, and our treatment of the “other.”

The project was conducted as part of the exhibition Dirty Care at Lothringer 13 Halle in August/September 2024, part of the Various Others project. Photo credit Frank Bauer.

Another version of Neophyt is being adapted for reproduction in Istanbul and other locations. Please get in touch if you have any questions or are interested in collaborating.