In this interview ThoTho discuss their research of the interplay between measurement and inference, drawing on a mix of graphical, sampling, sculptural and projection techniques to question how plants might be understood. Through playing with ideas and materials ThoTho generate lines of enquiry, for PlantLab combining simple rules with aesthetic selection decisions that lead to unexpected places.
Books have preserved human thought and ideas throughout recorded history. 83% of all life on earth is plants. Books are made from plants. Based on their own rules, ThoTho compiled excerpts from page 83 of over 500 of their books. These excerpts have been used to create a series of 83 Phloems that make transitory visits to PlantLab, 83 Extracts from plants in nine varietals (referencing the nine historical muses of ancient Greece) and 83 divining cards forming The Xylemancer.
Vivian Thonger is a short-form writer, poet and actor. Building on a background in psychology she hones her skills with Northland groups, including the Kerikeri Theatre Company and the Bay of Islands Writing Group. Her written work has been long- and shortlisted in flash fiction competitions and appears in print and online. She is wordsmith and collaborating artist at CollaboratioNZ, a biennial multi-disciplinary art event held at Whangarei Heads.
As a biomedical research scientist, Alan Thomas led teams investigating the deep complexity within living systems. Having recently completed an MFA, his artistic interests have evolved to consider limits of the human empirical life. Taking cues from recent concepts in neurobiology and evolutionary theory, Alan’s practice explores relationships between materials and systems and the ways in which humans create versions of the world. His work has been seen in solo and joint shows and is in private collections in New Zealand and Europe.
Together Vivian and Alan are collaborating as ThoTho.
