BLURRING THE LINES
BLURRING THE LINES

Ada Retegan

Fungarium Imaginarium

EDITION

2023, Shortlisted

school

University of Applied Sciences Europe, Berlin, Germany

links

@adaretegan

 

The current state of the natural environment does not have a very positive perspective for the future. We are currently living in a geological era in which humans have the greatest impact on the climate and on nature, yet we have never been so distant from it. The relationship between humans and nature is predominantly based on unrequited exchange, we give very little in return for all that we take, without thinking too much about the fact that our existence is dictated by it. Respect for the natural environment can only be born and present through connection, and while it is clear that humans have the power to transform their immediate natural environment, the reverse is also valid. Where we are affects how we are, and perhaps who we are. The fact that nature is not present as much in our culture only strengthens the reality that humans are continuously separating themselves from it, yet we are undoubtedly a part of it. As a species, humans need to slow down and go back to their roots, their beginnings. They need to realize that this world does not need to be conquered by them, it needs them to lose their independence and shift their intelligence to interconnectivity. Of course, the answer to these problems can only be found in nature, who provides humanity with the most appropriate teacher, the fantastic Fungi. “Fungarium Imaginarium” was born from the desire to take a step in the direction of reconnection, and is centered around the importance of fungi in human life. The storytelling project explores the multispecies relationship in which humans rely on the abilities and wisdom of these diverse organisms, if they choose to embrace this interaction. Taking inspiration from different cultures who understood the need of a reciprocal connection with the environment, it aims to raise awareness about the voices of other-than-human beings. Each image presents a speculative fungi that possesses qualities which can be very inviting for humans. This constructed alternative world proposes to highlight the fact that non-humans are powerful teachers, with the intention of shaking the human-centered world we find ourselves in.

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Ada Retegan

Fungarium Imaginarium

EDITION

2023, Shortlisted

school

University of Applied Sciences Europe, Berlin, Germany

links

@adaretegan

 

The current state of the natural environment does not have a very positive perspective for the future. We are currently living in a geological era in which humans have the greatest impact on the climate and on nature, yet we have never been so distant from it. The relationship between humans and nature is predominantly based on unrequited exchange, we give very little in return for all that we take, without thinking too much about the fact that our existence is dictated by it. Respect for the natural environment can only be born and present through connection, and while it is clear that humans have the power to transform their immediate natural environment, the reverse is also valid. Where we are affects how we are, and perhaps who we are. The fact that nature is not present as much in our culture only strengthens the reality that humans are continuously separating themselves from it, yet we are undoubtedly a part of it. As a species, humans need to slow down and go back to their roots, their beginnings. They need to realize that this world does not need to be conquered by them, it needs them to lose their independence and shift their intelligence to interconnectivity. Of course, the answer to these problems can only be found in nature, who provides humanity with the most appropriate teacher, the fantastic Fungi. “Fungarium Imaginarium” was born from the desire to take a step in the direction of reconnection, and is centered around the importance of fungi in human life. The storytelling project explores the multispecies relationship in which humans rely on the abilities and wisdom of these diverse organisms, if they choose to embrace this interaction. Taking inspiration from different cultures who understood the need of a reciprocal connection with the environment, it aims to raise awareness about the voices of other-than-human beings. Each image presents a speculative fungi that possesses qualities which can be very inviting for humans. This constructed alternative world proposes to highlight the fact that non-humans are powerful teachers, with the intention of shaking the human-centered world we find ourselves in.

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Next Talent →