O2401

In an introspective attempt to understand the past and to find a missing link that would reconnect Marcin Rusak to his late maternal grandfather – an orchid breeder and a vital character in the family’s flower-growing saga, we have delved into the vast world of orchids. After studying their varieties, learning about their habitats, and talking to specialists, we selected and scanned a series of species showcased in the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, and some botanical specimens Marcin received for his 35th birthday. The digitised plants became source material for a new creative process, morphing and “hacking” new orchid hybrids in the digital sphere. The Orchid Sculpture 01 combines our ongoing research into reclaiming waste materials (found metal and wood) with the exploration of the boundaries of the digital realm, stimulating the conversation about human curiosity, creativity and imagination.