"Science/Fiction: FOTO ARSENAL WIEN exhibition explores plant intelligence through photography and AI"
In March 2025, the City of Vienna launched FOTO ARSENAL WIEN, a new photography center, which showcases the exhibition Science/Fiction – A Non-History of Plants. Curated by Victoria Aresheva, Clothilde Morel, and Mona Schubert, this display features the work of over 40 international artists who delve into the concept of plant intelligence through photography, AI, and imaginative storytelling. This exhibition is a highlight of Vienna's largest biennial photography festival, coinciding with FOTO WIEN's 2025 theme "Dynamic Futures." Historical pieces include cyanotypes by Anna Atkins and studies by Karl Blossfeldt, while modern works feature Agnieszka Polska's animations and Ágnes Dénes' documentation of her 1982 project. The exhibition is open until 18 January 2026, encouraging a reevaluation of human-centered perspectives.
Key facts
- Exhibition Science/Fiction – A Non-History of Plants runs until 18 January 2026 at FOTO ARSENAL WIEN
- Features over 40 international artists including Anna Atkins, Karl Blossfeldt, Agnieszka Polska, Ágnes Dénes, and Jochen Lempert
- Curated by Victoria Aresheva and Clothilde Morel for Maison Européenne de la Photographie with Mona Schubert for FOTO ARSENAL WIEN
- FOTO ARSENAL WIEN inaugurated in March 2025 by the City of Vienna as Austria's new photography center
- Exhibition serves as main program event for FOTO WIEN 2025 with theme "Dynamic Futures"
- Includes historical works from 19th century alongside contemporary AI-generated imagery and interactive installations
- Exhibition organized into six sections exploring plants as active participants rather than passive subjects
- FOTO ARSENAL WIEN organizes FOTO WIEN biennial and collaborates on Vienna Digital Cultures Festival with Kunsthalle Wien
Entities
Artists
- Anna Atkins
- Karl Blossfeldt
- Agnieszka Polska
- Ágnes Dénes
- Jochen Lempert
- Elspeth Diederix
- Joan Fontcuberta
- Angelica Mesiti
- Max Reichmann
- John McGrail
Institutions
- FOTO ARSENAL WIEN
- Maison Européenne de la Photographie
- FOTO WIEN
- Kunsthalle Wien
- City of Vienna
- Georg Kargl Fine Arts
- Galerie Berinson
- Wilson Centre for Photography
- Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects
- Galerie Allen
- Absolut Medien
- Busan Biennale
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Paris
- France
- Manhattan
- New York
- United States
- Berlin
- Germany