Anne-Mie Melis+
Blind Petunias (A Study into New Plant Kinetics IV)
2011

The animation shows the growth of both mutant and normal Petunia flowers. We observe the slow movements of plants influenced by the cycle of day and night. The contrasting development of mutant and normal flowers becomes clear to the viewer. We see plants with fused floral organs, flowers unable to open or with missing petals, seemingly blind to their surrounding environment. The depiction of Petunia mutants illustrates the infinite possibilities and also the increased responsibility that comes with our increasing knowledge of plant cultivation and ability to control and influence our environment.

Blind Petunias, animation still (Testbed, Oriel Davies Newtown)
Petunia mutants, plants with fused floral organs, flowers unable to open or with missing petals, seemingly blind to their surrounding environment
animation still
for Cambridge Science Week (under the umbrella of Invisible Dust) the animation ‘Blind Petunias’ was screened at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge in an outdoor group show curated by Alice Sharp
Anne-Mie Melis