"Plantae: The Fifth Kingdom" is a series of large-scale printed digital paintings that explores the intersection of nature, technology, and the mysteries of the plant world. In this body of work, I delve into the complexities of plant life, drawing connections between their silent, persistent existence and our own evolving understanding of ecosystems, both natural and artificial.
Plants have long been seen as passive, unchanging elements of nature, but in this series, I wanted to challenge that notion. The title, "The Fifth Kingdom," refers to the taxonomy of living organisms, where plants hold their own kingdom—yet, in many ways, they remain mysterious and overlooked. Through these digital paintings, I aim to elevate plants to their rightful place, not just as background elements in our lives, but as active participants in the ecological narrative.
The digital medium allowed me to experiment with scale, texture, and color in ways that mimic the intricate details of leaves, stems, and roots while also embedding abstract and symbolic elements. By printing these works on a large scale, I hope to immerse the viewer in a world where plants are not merely subjects but protagonists. These pieces invite contemplation of the quiet strength and resilience of plants, their symbiotic relationships with other life forms, and their role as essential mediators between the earth and the sky.
Early Agua Solstice Version.
Each piece in the series carries a specific narrative. For example, "Monstera Mancha" plays with the iconic imagery of the monstera plant but introduces abstract stains and marks, symbolizing the imperfections and beauty found in natural decay and regrowth. "Agua Solstice" captures the interplay of light and water within plant systems, hinting at the cyclical nature of growth and renewal. "Anthurium" and "Calathea" celebrate the rich textures and colors of their namesake plants while exploring the idea of plants as symbols of healing, protection, and vitality.
Ultimately, "Plantae: The Fifth Kingdom" is an invitation to rethink our relationship with plants, to recognize them not just as decorative elements in our environment but as vital, dynamic beings with their own stories to tell. The series reflects my ongoing interest in the connections between nature, technology, and art, and how those intersections can lead to new ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.
Agua Solstice , 2022
Digital Print(RGB)
72 x 24in
"Agua Solstice"
This piece captures the serene yet powerful interaction between water and plant life, drawing on the concept of the solstice as a moment of equilibrium. The imagery combines flowing, organic forms that mimic the motion of water with the structural elements of plant growth, suggesting a symbiotic relationship. The softness of the palette contrasts with sharp details, evoking a sense of both calm and vitality. "Agua Solstice" invites the viewer to reflect on the importance of water as a life-giving force in the natural world and the cyclical nature of time and growth.
Mancha Monstera, 2022
Digital Print(RGB)
18 x 24 in
"Monstera Mancha"
"Monstera Mancha" takes the familiar image of the monstera plant—a symbol of tropical abundance and adaptability—and introduces abstract blemishes and stains, or "manchas." These imperfections represent the natural process of aging and decay, which are often overlooked in favor of the plant’s more celebrated attributes. By bringing these elements to the forefront, the piece asks the viewer to acknowledge the beauty in imperfection and the inevitable passage of time. The contrast between the bold, iconic leaf shapes and the subtle disturbances within them reflects the tension between growth and decline, and the acceptance of both as integral to life.
Anthurium, 2022
Digital Print(RGB)
24 x 18in
"Anthurium"
"Anthurium" celebrates the elegance and boldness of the anthurium plant, known for its striking red spathes and glossy, heart-shaped leaves. In this piece, the digital rendering amplifies these qualities, with a focus on texture and light. The plant’s vivid coloration becomes a focal point, but subtle abstract elements introduce a deeper layer of meaning—suggesting ideas of love, vitality, and endurance. The composition hints at the plant’s symbolic association with protection and care, echoing themes of nurturing and resilience.
Calathea, 2022
Digital Print(RGB)
24 x 18in
"Calathea"
This work is a tribute to the intricate beauty of the Calathea plant, particularly its mesmerizing patterns and the way its leaves respond to light throughout the day. The digital format allowed me to explore these rhythmic patterns in a way that exaggerates their movement and interplay with light. The piece is dynamic, inviting the viewer to consider the unseen processes of photosynthesis and the plant’s natural rhythms as a metaphor for hidden growth and transformation. "Calathea" is both a study in design and a meditation on the power of subtlety and repetition in nature.
Each of these works within "Plantae: The Fifth Kingdom" uses digital techniques to highlight the natural beauty and deeper meanings behind these plants. By focusing on details that might be overlooked in the everyday, Angel Axioma invites viewers to engage with plants as complex, active participants in the narrative of life, rather than as static background elements. The digital medium, paired with large-scale printing, creates an immersive experience that amplifies the quiet power of the plant kingdom.