Ecomimesis is a site-specific, virtual reality environment containing animated virtual plants that allows viewers to have an intimate encounter with plants in an accelerated life-cycle. The project is designed to be customized for the venue in which it is shown so the architecture of the space is represented within the animation. The species featured is Conyza canadensis, a common urban ‘weed’ chosen for its prevalence in human crafted landscapes that is at same time invisible to most people as they choose to ignore such so-called nuisance species. Ecomimesis was inspired by Charles Darwin's The Power of Movement in Plants in which he documented his observations of how plants move as they grow. The project’s title is borrowed from philosopher Timothy Morton and signifies an acknowledgment of human entanglement within nature.
Still image from VR animation customized for Science Gallery Detroit.
Still image from VR animation customized for Science Gallery Detroit.
Still from VR animation in a generic gallery space