A GARDEN OF INSECTS THAT LOOKS LIKE PLANTS

“ 'Garden of Insects' is a work where the Colombian artist uses her recurrent fascination for nature to capture in time the scene of a garden of plants. But when looking closely at what seem to be twigs and leaves, certain characteristics of those ramifications that are not so random stand out. Slowly, with the simple exercise of observing, they define and arrange themselves to form tiny legs and antennae, until, almost by accident, we discover that the whole scene is a collection of insects, which have been created by nature with that purpose: confusing us.

What attracts Cardoso’s attention to these little animals is the ability they have to appear to be something that they are not and blend into their surroundings. Curiously enough, this is an advice human beings try to apply to their everyday lives to belong to an environment and not be recognized as strangers. It is an analysis between the human race and the animal world. Same as mimicry, it is a question of behavior. By instinct, these animals know that it is not enough to just look like a twig or a leaf. It is necessary to look the part as well. They remain completely still, since for predators, what does not move is not alive and therefore it in not a food source, and they sway, as if blown by the wind, the same as their plant hosts. This way, the artist tries to reveal an entire world hidden in plain sight and frequently with amazing similarities to us.

But the artist’s interest is not making a statement around the subject. In her show she attempts to offer a space for people to look and admire, wondering what goes on there. She only wants people to observe. The appearance of these animals is supposed to go unnoticed. That is why the installation design resembles suspended museum showcases that once again, help the artist stop time so people also stop and see something”.

Bossa, Paula. Maria Fernanda Cardoso: Garden of Insects. Bogota: Galeria Casas Riegner. Available on: http://www.casasriegner.com/exhibition/maria-fernanda-cardoso-jardin-de-insectos/