Flower Talk

Two video monitors, 2 DVD players, headphones, speakers, silk and foam flowers, fabric, glass and plastic beads, feathers, cloth butterflies, rubber coated colored wire, small mirrors, garden hose, large wooden flower pot. Monitor A/Culture: 2min DVD, Monitor B/Reproductive: 4min DVD. (Overall 4’h x 4’w)

Artist's Statement:
Each monitor reveals something about the nature of flowers, our hypocrisy, and the power that flowers wield over insects and humans. The video shown in the first monitor is full of abundant cheer. These are the prescribed ‘social flowers’ of birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, etc. Our organic therapists that sweetly reassure us that we are long-stemmed-loved and that misfortune can be made lily pretty.
The second monitor reveals the true nature of flowers – that they are specifically the reproductive part of plants. In the video, blossoms unabashedly entice and seduce, moan with pleasure at the tickling of bees within their folds, and redirect insect probings towards spots that are more ‘desirable’. Unlike the human female reproductive organ which is often condoned for it’s 'odor' and best kept hidden -flower blossoms are highly regarded, afforded much reverent worship, and proudly displayed. Though they are essentially ‘genitals’ - we cultivate their beauty, savor their sweet smells, and admire their many forms and colors.