Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This research “Plants and Art Intertwined” delves into how depiction and integration of plants in artistic endeavors reflects human engagement with nature, and explores complex linkage between plants and art. Plant patterns in nature possess astonishing beauty and complexity that have continuously served as a rich source of inspiration for humans over millennia. They have been utilized across numerous fields such as art, architecture, and design, providing abundant motivation to artists and writers alike. Plants carry cultural connotations and are used as symbols across cultures and religions, like the lotus in East Asia, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, and flourishing in muddy waters as a metaphor for overcoming adversity. Similarly, the Sakura in Japanese culture embodies the ephemeral nature of life and the beauty and transience of existence, highlighting humans’ fascination with nature’s ecological and aesthetic significance. Observing paintings, sculptures, and textiles with plant patterns, this study explores their reflection in art, considering various representation methods and meanings. One case study in the modern context for this research includes the transformation of Shodo Island’s scenery to one replete with olive groves creating cultural landscapes intertwining agriculture with tourism. From cultural expressions to contemporary settings, plants position themselves as essential elements in expressing connections with nature and raising environmental awareness. Interviews with artists, farmers, and botanists provide interdisciplinary insights from their varied perspectives. In conclusion, this paper offers new aesthetic views and interdisciplinary inspiration, promotes sustainability in art and design, and encourages innovative creative techniques and materials.