My work examines themes of belonging, displacement, and the impact of human influence on the environment. I am particularly interested in how language shapes perceptions of “invasive” plant species, often reflecting deeper societal anxieties and hierarchies.
Terms used in invasion ecology, such as “alien” or “eradication,” are based on militaristic echo rhetoric tied to exclusion and otherness, creating boundaries of belonging while distancing accountability for the human actions that contribute to ecological displacement.
Working directly with plant material, I explore these ideas through processes that emphasize coexistence and resilience. Using nasturtium leaves—an invasive species in Portugal—I create chlorophyll prints that embed words drawn from sensationalist headlines, leaving lasting impressions that mirror the weight of language on perceptions and policies. In cyanotype on glass, I incorporate plant material often dismissed as weeds, collected from Lisbon’s cobblestones, to reflect on overlooked beauty and the potential for stewardship. Through moving image, I reflect on the transient and adaptive nature of displacement and the thresholds between belonging and exclusion.
Ultimately, my work seeks to break the patterns of language and thought associated with “invasive” species, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic dialogue