AFTERGLOW

I have always been interested in biology – cellular and bulbous forms and plants, especially flowers. In this new body of work, I am returning to the flower-form in continuing my lifelong exploration of magnifying things to the point of monstrosity. It follows from my previous bodies of works, ‘Colony’ and then ‘Colonies’ but unlike them, the forms here are no longer microbes from a hidden world brought to light.

‘AFTERGLOW’ implies a lasting effect, a continuation of a kind of light, positive energy, or pleasant feeling after the triggering event or initial stimulus has passed. Here, the event has ended, and the species that survived are settling down and settling in. The bulbous forms are a gathering of ambiguous flowering bodies with giant sexual reproductive organs like ovaries, pistils, and stamens that look like swollen, sexually aroused, blood-filled organs. They have protrusions to store food and water for nourishment, growth, and use during leaner times. They are evolving and adapting to continue to thrive.

I have always been drawn to bright and bold colours in making works. And flowers have evolved vivid colours to attract pollinators and seed dispersers that aid the plant’s reproductive success. So, the works here are colourful and playful. And yet they look otherworldly and unknown. I am thinking about adaptation to an unknown future given today’s context. ‘AFTERGLOW’ is my take on apocalyptic sci-fi works like ‘The Day of the Triffids’.

— Christopher Langton, 2024