Carsten Höller Brings Art and Science to Palazzo Strozzi with The Florence Experiment
Carsten Höller (born 1961, Brussels) presents 'The Florence Experiment' at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, a world-first exhibition-event structured around slides and plant studies. The project, curated by Arturo Galansino, revives the Renaissance city's tradition of merging art and science. Höller involved professor Stefano Mancuso to explore plant cognition. The slides were chosen after a site visit, facilitated by the courtyard's architecture. Höller, who holds a PhD in agricultural sciences from the University of Kiel, sees this as a return to his academic roots while advancing his artistic practice. The experience combines scientific beginnings with artistic outcomes, emphasizing public emotion and interaction. Unlike his 2011 'Double Carousel with Zöllner Stripes' at MACRO in Rome, this project studies emotional relationships between humans and plants. Höller avoids speculating on practical applications or long-term impact, stating he merely offers provocations. His film project 'Fara Fara' remains in development with no production timeline. The interview was conducted by Niccolò Lucarelli for Artribune.
Key facts
- Carsten Höller's 'The Florence Experiment' opens at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence.
- The exhibition is described as a world-first by director Arturo Galansino.
- Höller collaborated with professor Stefano Mancuso on plant-related aspects.
- The slide structure was inspired by the courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi.
- Höller holds a PhD in agricultural sciences from the University of Kiel.
- The project explores emotional relationships between humans and plants.
- Höller's earlier work 'Double Carousel with Zöllner Stripes' was at MACRO in 2011.
- Höller's film project 'Fara Fara' is unlikely to be produced soon.
Entities
Artists
- Carsten Höller
- Stefano Mancuso
- Niccolò Lucarelli
Institutions
- Palazzo Strozzi
- MACRO
- University of Kiel
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Brussels
- Rome