Speculative Generations of Flora Zero — Ellen Pau

Speculative Generations of Flora Zero A solo exhibition of Hong Kong artist Ellen Pau Curated by Angelika Li   Vernissage: Friday 20.10 17-21h  Open Studio: 21.10 12-18h Exhibition until 3.11. Viewing by appointment only: team@PF25.org.   Atelier Mondial: Freilager-Platz 9, 4142 Münchenstein/Basel (Tram 11 to Freilager) Supported by Christoph Merian Stiftung       PF25 cultural projects proudly presents acclaimed video artist Ellen Pau's latest creation, 'Speculative Generations of Flora Zero.' This captivating fractal video installation delves into the intricate genetics of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Bauhinia x blakeana. Drawing inspiration from her prior work 'F10RA 0' (2022), which views the genome as a divine code, the narrative traces the tree's grafting propagation since its discovery by a French Catholic missionary in 19th-century colonial Hong Kong. Named by former Governor Sir Henry Blake in 1903, the hybrid nature of Bauhinia x blakeana mandates artificial fertilisation which is part of Pau's key investigation. Becoming the city emblem in 1973, the flower gained prominence post the 1997 handover, adorning coins and flags.   Pau's exploration adeptly intertwines genetics, history, and AI, cultivating 'Flora Zero' within AI-generated landscapes for future generations. This confluence channels the genome's sacred essence and a profound message for Hong Kong.