constructive_botanics/banksia/2017

Garth Henderson’s constructive_botanics/banksia/[algorithmic flora] explores the peculiar morphology of the Proteaceae family, in particular the Banksia Genus. As an occupational horticulturist and photographer growing up in South Western Australia, he has a continued visual interest in elements of the local Banksia population, a biodiversity that represents over 90% of all distributed Banksia species.

In evolutionary biology, adaptive radiation is the process in which organisms diversify rapidly from an ancestral species into a multitude of new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges, or opens new environmental niches. Banksia structures evolve, mutate and enhance into new forms and adaptive functions ensue, particularly if the form has been exposed to extreme environmental factors, such as fire. The predominate use of black in these images is a reference to this remarkable process.

Henderson's current works are sculpted within a virtual 3D modeling space, and presented in contemporary print form. A background in horticulture informs the detail of his subject matter: a background in photography is evident in his observation of virtual lighting, and its importance to convey a sense of reality.

Exhibited are a series of limited edition giclée prints of a new vision of Banksia, highlighting our historical fascination with this species. With a contemporary and computational twist, a new evolutionary perspective of a truly unique environmental survivor.

PRINT EDITIONS

CONSTRUCTIVE_BOTANICS/BANKSIA/(2017)

Series of 5 images.

A1 Edition x 20

840mm H x 595mm W  (unframed) 

1200mm H x 900mm W (framed) 

Giclée print on 188gsm Hahnemühle photo rag paper

CONSTRUCTIVE_BOTANICS/BANKSIA SKETCHES/(2017)

Series of 6 images.

Edition x 20

400mm H x 400mm W  (unframed) 

710mm H x 710mm W (framed) 

Giclée print on 188gsm Hahnemühle photo rag paper

Exhibition setup