Uriel Orlow- Conversing with Leaves

Trees as actors in history, the migration of flowers, and medicinal plants testifying to neo-extractivism – these are some of the themes that Uriel Orlow pursues in his research-based art. Concrete circumstances and developments invariably form the basis of his multi-layered, multi-media works. In recent years his attention has mainly focused on entanglements between the African continent and Europe. Plants are both the narrators and protagonists here, anchoring all the events in the present day.

For his solo show at Kunsthalle Mainz, the artist has developed a route through the exhibition that takes visitors room by room from the origins of colonialism via the anti-apartheid movement through to contemporary concerns. Traces of European colonialism are present throughout.  Knowledge required to uncover and decode this is sometimes missing. Uriel Orlow’s works construct paths for connecting the past, present and future. These paths are winding and on occasion overgrown; they are adventure trails that tell exciting, moving and surprising stories. Enriched with knowledge about how this all concerns the viewer, they are made sensitive to the social relevance of plants and are encouraged to reflect on what they should do with this information. The immersive quality of the exhibition manages to lead the viewer deep into the stories; his displays allow us to locate the works in time and space. The way he brings archive material to life with a contemporary actor, and how he blends interview, theatre and performance genres makes his practice so timely and vibrant. The exhibition title Conversing with Leaves describes Uriel Orlow’s approach as much as it does his form of presentation. He emphasises the narrative quality of his work as well as dialogues that take place not only within and among the works themselves, but also with the visitors. Conversing with Leaves presents the first solo show in Germany and the most extensive exhibition of the artist’s work date.

Uriel Orlow- Palm Cape Town

The Memory of Trees is a series of large-format black-and-white photographs of trees, which are presented as historical witnesses. Each of the plants on display, including an almond tree and an oil palm, contains within it a specific biography that is closely linked to colonialism. The artist lays these bare by supplementing the photos with texts chronicling when the trees were first planted in Africa, as well as their uses and involvement in historical events.

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