The Fusion of Science and Fiction: A Botanical Exploration
# The Power of Reawakening Our Perception: “Science/Fiction – A Non-History of Plants”
In a world increasingly shaped by rapid industrialization and digital distractions, human perception has evolved to filter out much of our surroundings to conserve energy. This phenomenon, as explored by Russian critic Viktor Shklovsky in his 1917 text *Art as Technique*, suggests that we move through life in a near-automated state, recognizing concepts like “clothes, furniture, one’s wife, the fear of war” without truly *seeing* them. However, contemporary scholars and artists argue that in today’s age of ecological crisis, this automatic perception must be disrupted—particularly when it comes to how we view nature.
One poignant example of this effort is the battle against plant blindness, a cognitive bias that causes humans to overlook or deemphasize plant life, reducing it to a formless, green backdrop. This issue, which has gained attention in academic and artistic circles, is now taking center stage in *Science/Fiction – A Non-History of Plants*, a groundbreaking book and exhibition that seeks to challenge our ingrained perceptions of vegetation.
## The Concept of Plant Blindness: A Cultural Shift
The term “plant blindness” was coined to describe the declining recognition of plant species and their ecological significance due to industrialization and urbanization. Whereas knowledge of plant names and uses was once common practice, today they often fade into an indistinct mass. Addressing this loss of awareness is vital in the fight against climate change, as reconnecting with plant life fosters a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and conservation efforts.
*Science/Fiction – A Non-History of Plants* emerges as a direct response to this cultural phenomenon. Through a dynamic combination of photography, history, and imagination, this book and its accompanying exhibition reframe the way we interact with plant life, illustrating that forms of artistic and scientific engagement can be powerful tools in reshaping our perception.
## The Project: A Fusion of Art, Science, and History
Curated and edited by the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in collaboration with multiple authors—including Felix Hoffmann, Simon Baker, and Giovanni Aloi—*Science/Fiction* embarks on a visually arresting journey through plant imagery from the 19th century to the present. Unlike conventional chronological histories, this publication follows a thematic structure, moving non-linearly through contributions such as:
– **Anna Atkins’ “Asplenium angustifolium” (1850s)**: A cyanotype study of ferns, demonstrating the intersections of scientific documentation and artistic innovation.
– **Stan Brakhage’s *Garden of Earthly Delights* (1981)**: A film in which plants are adhered directly to transparent motion picture celluloid, offering a mesmerizing visual dialogue between nature and cinema.
– **Laure Albin-Guillot’s Photomicrography (1930s)**: A pioneering use of photography to capture microscopic details of organic forms, straddling the line between science and artistic aesthetics.
– **Sam Falls’ Contemporary Impressions of Plants**: Contemporary expressions of plant engagement in painting and ceramics, which emphasize the indexical connection between nature and artistic process.
Together, these works construct a bridge between disciplines, in which botany is not merely observed but actively reinterpreted through the lens of art and fiction.
## A Sci-Fi Take on Botany: The Role of Fiction in Re-Imagining Plants
A particularly intriguing aspect of *Science/Fiction* is its embrace of science fiction as a means to expand botanical imagination. While plants have long played a role in sci-fi narratives, from sentient vines in gothic literature to invasive alien flora in contemporary films, this book challenges preconceived notions about their role as passive background elements. Instead, it positions plant life as central, disruptive, and even resistant forces in sci-fi narratives.
In doing so, *Science/Fiction* draws attention to the often overlooked history of plant-based gothic horror and speculative fiction. For example, the 19th-century fascination with plant-inspired scientific discovery coincided with horror stories featuring monstrous and invasive vegetation—early expressions of ecological anxieties that still resonate today.
By presenting plants as active agents rather than static scenery, the project invites viewers to rethink the deep interconnections between humanity and the vegetal world. This thematic choice also underscores the necessity of imagination in addressing environmental issues. How can we picture a more sustainable, ecologically conscious future without first re-learning how to *see* plants?
## Why Now? The Urgency of Reconnecting with Nature
The Anthropocene—the current epoch marked by significant human impact on the planet—demands new ways of thinking about non-human life, including plants. As climate change accelerates, biodiversity loss continues, and urbanization rapidly expands, our ability to recognize and appreciate plant life is crucial. *Science/Fiction* presents an artistic call-to-action, reminding us that plants are not mere aesthetic afterthought