Liana Nigri | After Life

Trading in her computer for a microscope for the summer months, surface designer, Liana Nigri, shares her recent experience stepping into the lab through the Bio Arts residency at the School for Visual Arts in New York. Having worked in the print industry for the last ten years, Liana cites florals as her favorite subject matter. It’s no surprise as she hails from the lush land of Brazil. In her residency, Liana studies the process of botanical decay, documenting each step along the way. Leaves and flowers undergo an in-depth examination allowing for a fresh perspective on her favorite topic.

1. What inspired this project?

After Life is an ongoing project that uses flowers and plants in decay to talk about the impermanence of life and suggests the idea that time passing can be the best way to appreciate what we have right here, right now.

2. Can you walk us through your process?

The investigation starts from fresh flowers and follows their path until the drying phase. Microscope photography was used in the lab, and then further visual exploration bloomed at the studio through a wide range of media such as collage, watercolor, laser cutting, and the use of a different sort of organic material (e.g. SCOBY*).

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCOBY

Liana Nigri | After Life

3. Did you make any unexpected discoveries along the way?

Absolutely! Spending 5 weeks in the lab made me literally see things that are always there and that the eye may not be able to capture. The microscope allowed me to look deeper and study the patterns, colors, shapes and textures of the plants.

Liana Nigri | After Life

4. Which was your favorite flower or plant to dissect and why?

The lily is definitely my favorite, because its structure can be easily “dismounted” without getting scratched. I absolutely love its long petals and leaves; it’s so elegant and strong at the same time!

Liana Nigri | After Life

5. Your combined floral sculpture is so reminiscent of some of your print designs. Have you translated any of your lab techniques into your print design work?

I believe it’s impossible to separate my art from the design work, but I haven’t directly used any lab techniques for prints yet. Actually my only rule for this project was to escape the computer and find old-fashioned solutions for all visual aspects such as composition, color, and elements.

View more of Liana’s After Life project here.

– Jessie Whipple Vickery

Liana Nigri | After Life