Debra Bianculli

ARGMO Opuntia (analog rendering of genetically modified organism)

Inspired by: Robert Adams, Bulldozed Slash Evelyn Rydz, Gulf Pile John Willis, Recycled Realities 1

waste material, Triticum durum, Tagetes erecta roots, adhesives, acrylic paint

16″ x 29″

2023

This piece is inspired by the idea of plants in the new landscape, as well as waste and paper recycling. The pieces from the FAM collection that gave me the impetus for this work are Bulldozed Slash by Robert Adams, Gulf Pile by Evelyn Rydz, and Recycled Realities 1, by John Willis. The cactus form, a type of Prickly Pear, is a known super-survivor plant and important food source. Its incredible ability to store water and survive intense heat and dryness is an advantage in our climate crisis. The cactus paddles are fused onto tagetes roots. Tagetes Erecta (marigolds) are grown by organic gardeners as companion plants to help to deter pests and thus fortify crops. They also have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. In several cultures, marigolds have magical and medicinal qualities. This piece is a physical imagining of combining the marigold and opuntia in a hybridized sculptural form.

@debrastudio