Iris Andraschek :
Plants and Light - Vegetables and Flowers

Unlike botanical gardens hospitals provide a purely artificial and sober environment for plants. The only way these can survive in their hydroculture containers is through the addition of plant food and special light fixtures. Hospital walls and their typically shadowless lighting are not given to conjuring up a particularly romantic view of nature. The first part of the work described here concerns the artificial patio which can be seen from the ground level and the first floor. Architecturally, it is an isolated appendix to the actual patio which starts one level above. By arranging the plants in their containers Iris Andraschek has created a very characteristic labyrinth-like pattern so as to obstruct a full view of the inner courtyard. Consequently, despite being so small, it needs to be discovered step by step. Fixed to the ceiling there are six spotlights complete with colour filters and a variety of motifs, which can be set to different programmes and moved in all directions. Slow rotation of the colour filters and slides creates a change in lighting and simulates movement of the leaves. The second part of the work was developed one level below and consists of two concrete pillars with photographs of various plant details and roots, creating a direct link to the installation in the courtyard, both in substance and in form. Thus, the stems hidden in the troughs and plant containers reemerge in the pictures one level below.
(Iris Andraschek)