Zoo Végétale (Zoo for Plants) is a site specific installation in the remains of a small animal zoo in Banco National Park in Abidjan. The dilapidated building was overgrown by wild vines while being used as a dump as well. I decided to clean three cages as an installation space and I collected dead wood and branches and arranged them according to size in it. The installation refers to the specification and rationalisation of plants, trees and nature as a whole. In a way this treatment of nature is related to keeping animals in a zoo. It poses the question: what is wildness? What are the pros and cons of controlling nature?
The way the branches are put together is inspired by traditional people who collect their firewood and carry it in bundles on their back to their home. It is usually a beautiful and romantic picture of people living in and with (respect for) nature. In that way Zoo Végétale also refers to the possibility of sharing the world in a non-violent way.
