For this project I grew young plants over several months, forcing them to take the shape of mourning wreaths, which were then planted in a greenhouse in the town square. This is a metaphor for how dictatorial countries raise a new generation (for example, in Russia). The country is gradually closing itself off from the rest of the world, and basic human values are being distorted by propaganda. The society is being militarized and wars are becoming the norm of life. And in a closed and very stuffy greenhouse, the “young shoots” are grown to be sent to death.


Part of the project was an instruction manual on how to grow and deform young plants, which was available as a booklet to take with me. A couple of quotes:

“Shaping fast-growing plant species should be started at 1-2 months of age. The earlier you start bending the plant, the easier it is to break its will to form naturally.” “Put wire on the young shoots, use tightening belts, clips or wires. By wrapping the shoots with wire, it is possible to bend them and give them the desired position. If a sprout shows rebelliousness and puts out new branches to compensate for an uncomfortable bend, cut them off without regret.”

“For stubborn plants, which by nature have a less tendency to bend, we advise the use of iron screw clamps with a stronger pressure. The bending should be done gradually, increasing the angle of inclination step by step. Give the plant time to get used to its bent position and then remove the clamps. If you remove them too early, the trunk and branches will start to straighten and the plant will become “half bent, half free”. This way you'll only waste time and the procedure will have to start all over again.”

“If the plants start to dry out and get sick after being deformed, you can remove them from the greenhouse and replace them with new ones. Be patient, remember, deforming living things is not a race, it's a destination!”