For Phaan Howng’s latest installation, Rise of the Machines Plants, she continues her exploration of the relationship between horticulture and the ecological conditions brought on by globalization and capitalism. On one side of the lobby at 125 Maiden Lane, brightly hand-painted wallpaper, paintings, and sculptures create a Victorian-style parlor that is overtaken by flora that has evolved to camouflage into its surroundings. Originally displayed at Dinner Gallery, the installation refers to the origins of the rare and exotic plant market that arose due to imperialism during the Victorian Era. Opposite the Victorian-style parlor, a hyper-abstracted neon rug serves as a toxic, unnatural landscape from which plants and flora grow as if they are adapting and evolving from an earth corrupted by chemicals and waste.

Historically, pseudo-scientific newspapers crafted tales about killer plants as a tactic to create curiosity about non-native flora. The powerful influence of the headlines led to the creation of the genre of gothic horror and fiction that has remained popular into the modern era. Echoing a gothic horror storyline, Howng’s killer plants fight back after being controlled, exploited, and colonized by mankind. In neon colors and abstract forms, they use camouflage to adapt to their environment, a radioactive landscape where only the plants survive.

As the climate crisis unfolds before us, Howng urges us to confront toxic ecological practices in hopes of creating a more environmentally thoughtful and truly sustainable future.

Phaan Howng Rise of the Machines Plants is curated by Tessa Ferreyros with Tara Oluwafemi and sponsored by Time Equities Inc. (TEI) Art-in-Buildings. TEI is committed to enriching the experience of our properties through the Art-in-Buildings Program, an innovative approach that brings contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists to non-traditional exhibition spaces in the interest of promoting artists, expanding the audience for art, and creating a more interesting environment for our building occupants, residents, and guests.

Image: Phaan Howng, Rise of the Machines Plants, 2023. Courtesy the artist.

Institution

Time Equities Inc. Art-in-Buildings

Site

125 Maiden Lane

New York, New York 10038

Artist

Phaan Howng

Date

March 13-November 12, 2023