First encounter exploring the Wielewaal park (from the outside) and what (whom) later became my informant.

At the beginning of the interaction with the border, I could spot the rhododendron without knowing anything about its history. What caught my attention first – was the interaction between the species and the fence. The fence meant to prevent humans from getting into the park- the Rhododendron ignoring and working its way out. I interpreted as an act of resistance, rebelliousness perhaps. Evoke in me curiosity , to explore the about the conception or mechanism to control space in humans term and how the other non-humans habitants relate to this humans limitations.

Containment behavior, protecting itself? shielding from whom?

A radial display as it was protecting something from the outside world? But why? After researching the history behind the rhododendron, I empathize with the shield behavior. It’s a force migrant, transported by humans, place and force to adapt to a new environment. Shielding from the outside? From us? Yes.

A created encounter

To allow myself to explore the intimacies of this specimen I created a 3D model. A digital reproduction of the plant. Static- lifeless but useful, easy to control and explore without consent, without the inconvenience of the outside world. Allowing me to jump from a God-scale to the very inside of the plant. This godlike position allows me to place and play with the specimen without the laws of physics and the ecological repercussions- Playing God