In the vast desert landscapes, where life struggles to thrive, there exists a remarkable plant known as the Rose of Jericho (Selaginella Lepidophylla). This extraordinary desert dweller possesses an uncanny ability to survive extreme drought conditions, earning it the nickname “resurrection plant.” Inspired by this resilient plant, artist Daniela Di Maro and the Software Architecture Laboratory of Milan collaborated to create an interactive art installation that brings the Rose of Jericho’s unique properties to life.
The Interactive Installation: A Symphony of Nature and Technology
The installation, aptly titled “Anastatica sensibile,” features 45 Rose of Jericho plants, each carefully arranged within a custom-designed structure. This captivating display invites visitors to engage with the plants and witness their remarkable transformation.
The Rose of Jericho: A Plant of Resilience and Renewal
The Rose of Jericho is a small, unassuming plant that, during dry weather, curls into a tight ball, resembling a bare root. However, when exposed to water, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. Within a day, the plant turns green and unfurls its delicate fronds, earning it the nickname “resurrection plant.” This remarkable ability to withstand harsh conditions and regenerate with the presence of water makes the Rose of Jericho a symbol of resilience and renewal.
The Interactive System: A Dialogue Between Visitors and Plants
The installation incorporates an interactive system that monitors the number of visitors around the installation. As the number of visitors increases, one plant is randomly selected, and its LED blinks for ten seconds. When a plant is selected a certain number of times, the digital system irrigates it, and its LED is turned on. This interaction between visitors and plants creates a dynamic and engaging experience, where the presence of visitors influences the state of the plants.
The Digital System: A Bridge Between Art and Technology
The interactive system that controls the installation is a testament to the seamless integration of art and technology. Two electronic control units manage the LEDs and electro-valves, using iRobota Mega microcontrollers and custom-made Printed Circuit Boards. This sophisticated system ensures that the plants receive water only when a certain number of visitors are present, mimicking the natural conditions in which the Rose of Jericho thrives.
The Project Details: Open Access for Knowledge Sharing
The project details, including schematics, code, and assembly instructions, are meticulously documented in a PDF document hosted on the project page in the Bicocca Open Archive. This open access approach allows other artists, researchers, and enthusiasts to learn from and build upon this innovative project, fostering a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Bonus: The Rose of Jericho’s resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions have inspired artists, writers, and philosophers for centuries. In her book “The Rose of Jericho,” poet Judith Thurman explores the plant’s symbolism and its connection to themes of death, resurrection, and renewal. The plant’s unique properties have also been referenced in popular culture, such as in the song “The Rose of Jericho” by British rock band The Smiths.
The “Anastatica sensibile” installation is a captivating fusion of art, technology, and nature. It invites visitors to engage with the remarkable resilience of the Rose of Jericho, sparking conversations about survival, adaptation, and the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.
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