Jennifer Markwirth

Botanical Artist.

Plants have been a part of my life for many years – initially in scientific collections, and now in my artistic practice. I am interested in their cultural significance, their often overlooked diversity, and their role as the basis of our diet. This interest led to my photographic herbarium ‘Flora obscura’, which is dedicated to edible plants.

Using the focus stacking method, I create detailed plant studies that are reminiscent of both scientific illustrations and old master still lifes. When insects or other animals join the plants, the image becomes a reference to the ecological network in which each species exists – and occasionally even elevated to a vanitas motif. The ongoing project sees itself as a contemporary form of botanical collection. Using other conventional and alternative photographic processes, I examine plants not only as a motif, but also as material and actors in the image-making process.

I live and work in Frankfurt am Main.