Egied Simons – Radix Morgana

Egied Simons, Radix Morgana
Orangerie, September 7 – October 11, 2015
Presentation September 27, 2 -5 PM

Simons’ interest in plant life has extended to a study of root systems. On an abstracted floor plan of Amsterdam the surfaces are covered with a thin layer of prepared earth which is sown with seeds from around the world. The impending growth will make the space a green oasis. After several weeks the surface is overturned and the root structure becomes visible. How do roots of plants grasp and mingle with each other? Which strategy does the plant use in its search for a stronger grip as well as water? The underground texture reveals the traces of this search. In the center of the space a 5 meter wide installation is presented: Radix Morgana. On glass plates grow several crops. The root growth can be followed through the use of mirrors at an angle of 45 degrees.

Egied Simons has been invited for a work period in the Orangerie as a first exploration of a research in 2016 in which the gardens, soils, trees and plants of the Amstelpark itself becomes the focus.