Almudena Romero, a Spanish artist passionate about plants since childhood, is gaining recognition for her eco-friendly art. Her work, showcased at the Saatchi Gallery in London and the Albert Khan Museum in Paris, encourages audiences to rethink consumerism.

In her series “The Pigment Change,” Romero prints photographs directly onto living plants. “I put a negative on top of the leaf and let sunlight record the image,” she explains. She also uses a digital projector to print onto plants, utilizing photosynthesis to capture images. In a chapter titled “Family Album,” she spreads watercress seeds on a canvas, allowing them to grow in darkness before projecting a negative onto them, creating varying shades based on light exposure.

Romero’s techniques, inspired by past artists, require significant preparation and space. Raised in Madrid and spending summers on her grandparents’ avocado farm, she developed eco-conscious values. “When you grow close to nature, it becomes important,” she says. Her methods may not suit all artists, as they produce ephemeral pieces that challenge financial sustainability. However, with over 200 million Americans owning houseplants, her work resonates with a growing trend.

Currently, she is working on a massive project, set to be completed by June 2025, which will be the largest photographic artwork ever produced, spanning 30,000 square meters. Collaborating with scientist Nicolas Langlade and using AI, she aims to create a rich color palette with genetically diverse plants.

Romero emphasizes that plants are beings from which we can learn. She connects her art to broader themes of parenthood and climate change, questioning societal norms around reproduction. For Romero, this project reflects humanity's relationship with nature and her passion for plant photography. “It’s a combination of my family’s background and my love for plants,” she concludes.

Sayart / Joy nunimbos@gmail.com