Itera Acanthus

Iteration 2b16d51e-ef6e-41c4-be6d-a7c001ceff34
Created on May 9, 2024

SYMBOL_ the acanthus plant is a motif that has evolved in meaning over centuries. A token representing both immortality and death, it decorates countless cultural, religious and government landmarks. The leaf is visible on everything from the tops of columns to the backs of dollars. MYTH_ the story of how this leaf became the symbol we know today was recorded by Vitruvius who wrote about an ancient tomb that had become consumed by an acanthus plant. The dramatic scene inspired a Greek sculptor to create what became the "Corinthian" column. CONSUMPTION_ the act of translating the acanthus leaf into stone and mirroring it en masse through architecture was seen as a symbol of human-ability to harness and ultimately conquer nature. FUTURES_ “Itera Acanthus” asks you - the sculptor - to participate in the evolution of the acanthus once again. What future will you elect to create, how will the acanthus plant continue to grow?