Exhibition Explores the Political and Economic Power of Plants
Amidst climate anxiety and vanishing urban greenery, an ongoing exhibition in Bengaluru proves that plants actively shape politics, economies, and everyday life. Titled "An Invitation to Pause," the exhibition features works that highlight the often-overlooked agency of flora in human affairs.
Curated from Rare Botanical Collections
The exhibition draws from rare botanical illustrations, including a striking depiction of Leicesteria formosa from Plantae Asiaticae Rariores, Volume 2, 1831. These historical artworks serve as a reminder of how plants have been documented and commodified throughout colonial and modern history.
Connecting Climate Anxiety to Botanical Agency
According to curator Asra Mavad, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the role of plants beyond mere decoration or resources. "Plants are active participants in shaping our world—from the spices that drove global trade to the trees that cool our cities," she said. The exhibition comes at a time when Bengaluru's green cover is rapidly declining, sparking debates about urban planning and environmental justice.
Interactive Installations and Workshops
The exhibition includes interactive installations where visitors can trace the journey of a single plant species through trade routes, medicinal uses, and cultural symbolism. Workshops on urban gardening and seed-saving are also part of the program, aiming to empower attendees to engage with plants in their daily lives.
Impact on Policy and Urban Planning
Local environmental activists have praised the exhibition for linking botanical knowledge to policy. "We need to recognize that plants are not just scenery but infrastructure," said a spokesperson from a Bengaluru-based green advocacy group. The exhibition runs until July 2026 at the Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru.
