Botanico
Lina Puerta
About the Botánico Series
Works from the Botánico Series (2010- ongoing) are inspired by weeds and uncontrolled nature. They explore the tension between such plants and humans, as we strive to exterminate and exert control over them; while nature, exhibiting its resilient power and perseverance, slowly moves into abandoned spaces, spreading and reclaiming its space.
In this series, I use solely artificial/human-made plants that are normally designed to adorn and create maintenance-free gardens, which are static and under our absolute control. I use such plants to mimic weeds and reference the remarkable strength and resiliency present in nature.
*Site-specific Installation at the Museum of Biblical Art, New York for the exhibition: "Back to Eden: Contemporary Artists Wander the Garden." Photo by Gina Fuentes Walker, courtesy of The Museum of Biblical Art.
Lina Puerta
My work examines the relationship between nature and the body. Utilizing a wide range of materials— from concrete, clay, wood, foam, fabric, paper pulp and handmade paper; craft and recycled items, I create textural forms and compositions that blend the human-made world with the natural, exploring notions of control, consumerism and life’s fragility. I am interested in nature’s capacity to reclaim space and break down artificial, human-made Structures.
My artistic process is in great part guided by the physical qualities of the materials, their textures, forms and colors; and informed by concepts of femininity, fashion, sexuality and artificiality.