Nicotiana

Nicotiana (Alata) is a moon flower and the inspiration for this textile work, and part of the “Lucid Lunar Dreaming” project. As part of this project I have cultivated a moonlight garden with a range of flowers, such as Ipomoea Alba, Datura, Lemon balm and this flower. These are flowers that open in the evening and at night, and that relates back to sound works about the moons of our solar system in this project.

Working with topics such as moons, mythology and symbolism, I chose translucent and reflecting materials which refer back to the moon, with light as a reflection from the sun. In that way it has a symbolism of illusion, hidden agenda, and the subconscious. Hanging textiles for me describe both the physical and the metaphysical world, representing portals into an understanding of the intimate parts of the personality. In its softness it is gentle, covering and revealing, but also makes it easier to be distracted and lose your footing.

First shown at Månefestivalen in 2022, and then at Østfold Art Center in 2023. The work is hand sewn with two different types of silk, cotton thread and iridescent material, and the textile work about 2 meters, attached to a wooden construction.

Liliana Borge

Details of Nicotiana

2022