Roots Are Tongues That Speak A Million Angry Languages

“Roots Are Tongues That Speak a Million Angry Languages” is a work created in 2025, consisting of nine sculptural plant forms. The work examines various formsof repression against plants in the EU and their migration histories. It is divided into three groups: plants listed as particularly invasive; agricultural crops (maize, tomatoes, peppers) subject to strict European regulations; and plants that were historically banned because they were used for contraception and abortion.

In this work, I draw parallels between the xenophobic language and policies of European states towards migrants and the way migrant plants are treated. At a time when right-wing governments are growing in strength and people are under pressure because of their origin or gender, these plants are, for me, like monuments to those who are arriving, are on the move, or are not allowed to stay. Three of the plants therefore
bear the Sea-Watch crew’s vision statement: “For the right to leave. For the right to arrive. For the right to stay. For the right to move.” The plant forms are accompaniedby three displays: two show original texts from European regulations on combating invasive species, whilst one displays a manifesto that paraphrases the first paragraph of the German Basic Law: “The right to bodily self-determination is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the obligation of all state power.” and refers to the right to self-determination over one’s own body, which is also increasingly being curtailed in Europe by right-wing governments.

Tlaloli

Luna a Luna (The right for self-determination)

Chili

Tlaloli

Tomatl