The Botanical Mind: Art, Mysticism and The Cosmic Tree (Exhibition Catalogue)
(By Camden Arts Centre)
Read Ebook | Size | 29 MB (29,088 KB) |
|---|---|
| Format | |
| Downloaded | 696 times |
| Last checked | 16 Hour ago! |
| Author | Camden Arts Centre |
Drawing on esoteric ideas from alchemy and the western occult tradition, this exhibition relates the fractal geometries that appear in plant shapes and patterns to the ancient metaphysical belief in terrestrial life as a microcosm of the universe - the celestial expanse of the macrocosm. Many of the works in the show revolve around the concept of the Axis Mundi (World Axis) or Cosmic Tree, a universal archetype that appears in the symbolism and mythologies of numerous cultures connecting the human condition to the physical and transcendental universe. The Botanical Mind investigates the secular and spiritual aspects of plants, their ongoing significance to human life, and how we engage with and activate them in culture, counter-culture, art and music.
This richly illustrated publication includes essays by the curators and contributions from scholars on the key themes of the exhibition - alchemy, art history, plant ontology, Gaian ecology, anthropology and ethnobotany - unifying philosophical, scientific, spiritual and artistic approaches to meditate on the cosmic significance of plants in different worldviews.”
