A detail of the roots growing in patterns.

Symbio

Diana Scherer

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Specifically for Art at the Vide, Diana Scherer is creating a new textile work. This work consists of organic fabrics made from plant roots and self-designed, sustainable fabrics. Using soil, seeds, light, water and underground templates, she grows organic tissues. In this process, Scherer is constantly moving on the border between control and chance, between natural and artificial, between art and biology.

Growth and Balance

In Symbio, Diana Scherer explores the relationship between humans and nature. The exhibition asks critical questions about how humans use, direct and control nature. At the same time, Scherer also shows another possibility: a world in which humans and nature work together more. Growth is slow. It is not always predictable and not entirely controllable. For this very reason, Scherer makes growth an image for the search for a new balance between culture and nature.

An important source of inspiration for Scheurer is Charles Darwin's 1880 book The Power of Movement in Plants . In this book, Darwin describes how plants respond to light, gravity and temperature. He shows that plants are not silent and passive, but constantly adapt to their environment. Scherer uses this power of plants to grow her tissues. Her work can therefore be seen as a collaboration between plant and artist.


Symbiosis

For this monumental installation, Diana Scherer starts from Darwin's research into the movement of plants. Scherer translates those lines and patterns into her own work. She makes roots grow in and along fabrics she has developed herself. The fabric gives direction and support to the roots. But the fabric can also stop or change the growth. This creates an interaction, a symbiosis, between organic material and textiles. Growing and weaving form one dynamic system full of beautiful forms. 

 

Photography:
Diana Scherer, Interwoven, 2021, organic material and textile, photography: Norbert Miguletz
Diana Scherer, Interwoven, 2021, organic material and textile, photography: Diana Scherer
Diana Scherer, Apical, 2024-2025, organic material and textile, photography: unknown
 

  • Roots of plants grow together in symmetrical shapes in an oval turf.
  • A turf lies with its roots up on the museum floor. Together, the roots form beautiful and symmetrical patterns. The grass is visible at the bottom.
  • A studio where on the walls hang frames with art made from plant roots. In the centre of the space hangs a canvas made of textiles and organic material with blue wool worked through it.

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    The artist
    Symbio

    Meet the artist: Diana Scherer

    Diana Scherer houdt een van haar kunstwerken, een combinatie van fragiel textiel en wortels omhoog. Ze kijkt in de camera.

    Symbio

    Diana Scherer

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