Berlin Art Week. Maharu Maeno. Mit der Natur

This artwork pairs the roots of a living bamboo plant with an electronic sculpture mimicking bamboo roots. Both are intertwined and connected through a network of electronic circuits. The circuits take the form of tubular electronic components, linked together like the segments of bamboo. From each segment, electronic wires extend outward, resembling the fine, hair-like roots of bamboo. The electronic bamboo roots, constructed from various components, feature solar panels that shimmer under sunlight. In contrast, the real bamboo roots are equipped with motion sensors, and when a person approaches, they respond with playful, dance-like movements. These movements, devised by the artist Maharu Maeno in collaboration with AI, are based on the natural growth cycle of bamboo and are controlled by an Arduino and motor system.

The bamboo used in this piece was sourced directly from a bamboo grove in front of the artist’s family home. Bamboo, being a familiar and culturally significant plant in Japan, holds a special meaning for Maharu. This connection is reflected in the work, as bamboo is not just a material but a personal symbol deeply rooted in her identity.

Maharu has worked at the intersection of performance art, gardening, and digital art, and this piece reflects her deep exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. There’s a fascinating concept that plants communicate with each other through electrical signals, and that the underground network of roots in forests resembles the human brain.

Her work invites viewers to consider the parallels between the rapid, powerful growth of bamboo and the fast-paced development of human technology. However, rather than offering a heavy-handed critique, the artwork charms with its whimsical movements, as the bamboo roots seem to “dance” when triggered by motion. This lighthearted interaction draws viewers in, making them smile and watch the fun, almost comical display. While the irony of humanity’s reliance on ever-evolving technology is subtly present, the overall tone is one of curiosity and amusement. By blending the organic and the digital in such a playful way, Maharu visualizes the invisible connections between natural and technological worlds, offering a fresh, poetic perspective on the unseen rhythms that shape both.