Interpreting Fallopia Japonica presents an installation of objects and material-explorations created of raw plant material: various investigations and interpretations of Fallopia Japonica (eng: japanese knotweed), which has been declared one of the world’s most invasive weeds. This plant grows fast, dense and high, and as an alien specie it has no natural enemies or
cultural applications here. The uncontrolled spread is not only a time-consuming and expensive burden for gardeners, states or landlords, but is even causing serious negative consequences for the environment.
The installation questions the concept of belonging and
attempts new ways of understanding and approaching the surplus of these undesired, exotic plants. As the first part of an on-going artistic research project, the focal point is directed at the process, the potential and the interpretation. And with design as a tool for investigation the goal is to share ideas and spark dialogues in the space between crafts, aesthetics, science and production.

Siren Elise Wilhelmsen is a Norwegian designer and design-researcher. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Artistic Research at the KMD, University of Bergen (UiB), with the project The Settlers: Domestic Exotics. For more information: @studiosirenelisewilhelmsen | sirenelisewilhelmsen.com | facebook.com/StudioSirenEliseWilhelmsen/