plant colonialism

Xiaoya Yan

My project uses plant colonialism as a lens to explore the unequal relationship between Black slavery and the exploitation of nature. The work focuses on cotton as a symbol of forced labor and colonial power, with two posters and a dynamic video depicting the decay of cotton to represent the exploitation and degradation inherent in this history. Key visual elements include an "X" motif, symbolizing shackles and imprisonment, and imagery of bound hands to highlight the loss of freedom. The color palette -dark red, black, white, and bright pink-creates a stark contrast, with bright pink breaking visual comfort to evoke tension and imbalance. This project reflects on the intertwined histories of plant colonialism and human inequality, emphasizing the fragility of both life and justice.