‘Queer Voices’ by Adam Nathaniel Furman for Kew Gardens
Queer Nature 30 September to 29 October 2023 Temperate House, Kew Gardens
Photo Credit: Gareth Gardner
Adam Nathaniel Furman’s installation at Kew Gardens is a part of the Queer Nature festival, which celebrates the diversity and beauty of plants and fungi and considers how plants have represented queer identity as well as how the fascinating reality of plants might challenge societal norms around identity. The installation is located in two octagonal greenhouses and is structured around three categories: Symbolism, Fungi, and Lichen. The installation features a larger-than-life 5m tall and 16m wide floral fabric hanging from the ceiling to create an immersive space for visitors.
At the centre of the installation, there are video interviews with over a dozen people who have unique perspectives on plants and queer life, including horticulturists, scientists, authors, drag artists, and activists. Visitors are also invited to share their perspectives on identity and nature by hanging notes on the fabric structure, which will become part of the Kew Collection.
The design of the installation includes a unique flora pattern that explores the concept of queer domesticity and how plants have represented queer identity in subtle ways. The pattern draws on British art and design history, where plants and flowers were important symbols of delight and sensual pleasure but were often dismissed as decorative or superficial. Adam Furman’s design challenges the status quo by embracing plants as queer symbols and pushing them to their formal limits.
The ornamental pattern has a deep green background, a nod to the green carnation, a queer symbol worn by figures like Oscar Wilde. It also includes elements like lavender, pansies, carnations, and violets, which reference queer history. The goal of the pattern is to be distinctly British and distinctly queer at the same time.
The collaboration between Adam Nathaniel Furman and Kew Gardens came about because of their shared vision for an interactive, immersive, and uncompromising installation. Kew Gardens’ commitment to celebrating queer life in humanity and nature aligns with Adam’s own work rooted in queer identity. This project allowed Adam to work with plants, a theme that has fascinated artists and designers for centuries, especially in connection to ideas of queer identity. Collaborating with Kew provided access to a team of experts, leading to fascinating and technical discussions about plants and biology. Adam views Kew Gardens’ commitment to this project as an example of what institutions should be doing in embracing and celebrating queer life.
Photo Credit: Gareth Gardner
Photo Credit: Gareth Gardner
Photo Credit: Gareth Gardner