Around the World

“Around the World” brings together plant species from multiple continents within a single open ecosystem. Through carefully designed environmental gradients and automated control of light, humidity, and water cycles, each plant is able to thrive in conditions reflecting its native habitat. The work explores coexistence as a natural principle, presenting biodiversity not as contrast, but as a foundation for balance and resilience.

PlantArt, 2025
130 × 80 × 15 cm
Mixed living open ecosystem, fully automated

A Living Composition of Global Coexistence

“Around the World” is a living ecosystem artwork that brings together plant species from nearly every continent into a single, harmonized environment. Since its creation in January 2025, this piece has continuously evolved, demonstrating not only botanical compatibility but also a deeper narrative of coexistence.

The artwork measures approximately 130 by 80 by 15 centimeters and is designed as an open ecosystem that integrates seamlessly into interior spaces. Without barriers such as glass enclosures, it allows for a direct visual and spatial connection between the viewer and the living composition. Its depth creates a layered, almost landscape like presence, allowing the ecosystem to unfold naturally within the space. It functions not only as a artistic botanical display, but as a living extension of the room itself.

At first glance, it reveals a rich composition of textures. Mosses form living carpets, ferns unfold in structured patterns, orchids anchor themselves delicately, and carnivorous plants introduce both movement and function. Beneath this aesthetic richness lies a carefully orchestrated system of micro ecosystems, each designed to reflect environmental conditions found across distant parts of the world.

The work explores the idea that diversity forms the foundation of harmony. Species originating from tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, wetlands, and high elevation cloud forests exist together within a shared environment. Each plant occupies a carefully curated niche, showing that fundamentally different ecological strategies can align when their conditions are respected and balanced.

The entire system is fully automated, managing light cycles, humidity, misting, and water flow in a way that replicates natural rhythms. This allows the ecosystem to remain stable over time while minimizing external intervention, creating a balanced relationship between technology and nature.

The system is structured through subtle environmental gradients. Humidity ranges from saturated moss zones to more ventilated orchid placements. Light transitions from shaded understory areas to brighter exposed sections. Water cycles through mist, rainfall, and passive flow, while temperature conditions span intermediate to tropical ranges. These gradients allow each species to retain its ecological identity while participating in a unified ecosystem.

Botanical Composition

Each plant contributes not only visually, but also as a representative of its native habitat.

Orchids and Epiphytes

Pleurothallis sertularioides originates from Central and South America, including regions such as Ecuador and Colombia. It grows naturally in tropical cloud forests where constant humidity, diffused light, and stable temperatures define the environment. Its fine structure reflects these mist driven habitats.

Barbosella miersii is native to Brazil and occurs in the Atlantic rainforest, ranging from lowland to montane zones. It thrives on moss covered surfaces where humidity and airflow are consistently high.

Dendrobium jenkinsii comes from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is adapted to seasonal tropical forests where distinct wet and dry periods shape its growth cycle and flowering behavior.

Masdevallia nidifica originates from the Andes of Peru and Ecuador. It is a cloud forest species adapted to cooler temperatures and constant moisture, representing high elevation ecosystems within the composition.

Epidendrum porpax is found across Central America and parts of the Caribbean. It grows in humid tropical forests and spreads across surfaces, visually connecting different micro habitats within the artwork.

Lepanthes telipogoniflora comes from Ecuador and is associated with pristine montane cloud forests. It is a highly specialized miniature orchid that depends on stable humidity and undisturbed conditions.

Carnivorous Plants

Nepenthes (ssp) species originate from Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. They grow in nutrient poor tropical environments and have evolved pitcher structures to capture insects, demonstrating adaptation through resource scarcity.

Dionaea muscipula is native to the coastal regions of North and South Carolina in the United States. It grows in subtropical wetlands and introduces a seasonal dynamic, requiring both high light and periods of dormancy.

Drosera binata originates from Australia and New Zealand, where it inhabits open wetlands and bogs. It is adapted to sunny, water saturated environments with low nutrient availability.

Drosera rotundifolia is found across the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It grows in cold peat bogs and demonstrates the ability to survive seasonal extremes through dormancy.

Utricularia livida originates from Africa and occurs in wet grasslands and seepage zones. It is a subtle carnivorous plant with underground traps, representing hidden ecological interactions.

Ferns and Fern Allies

Bolbitis heteroclita var. difformis comes from Southeast Asia and grows along riverbanks and in shaded wet environments. It thrives in constant moisture and contributes a strong structural presence.

Selaginella uncinata originates from China and grows along humid forest floors. It is known for its iridescent coloration, which emerges under specific light conditions.

Aquatic and Semi Aquatic Plants

Anubias barteri var. nana comes from West Africa, particularly Cameroon. It grows along riverbanks and in slow moving freshwater systems, showing remarkable adaptability to both submerged and emergent conditions.

Salvinia minima originates from Central and South America and floats on still or slow moving freshwater bodies. It contributes to surface dynamics and helps stabilize humidity within the system.

Climbers and Structural Plants

Marcgravia umbellata is native to tropical Central and South America and grows as a climbing plant within rainforest canopies and understories. It has evolved unique leaf structures and ecological interactions with animals in its natural habitat.

Ficus pumila var. quercifolia originates from East Asia and grows along forest edges and rock surfaces. Its creeping growth habit allows it to integrate and soften structural elements within the composition.

Temperate Element

Cyclamen purpurascens comes from Central Europe, including Alpine regions. It grows in shaded deciduous forests and introduces a subtle seasonal rhythm within the system.

A Living Dialogue Between Ecosystems

What defines “Around the World” is not only its diversity, but its continuity over time. Since its establishment, the ecosystem has remained stable, with each plant actively growing and adapting within the shared environment.

The artwork demonstrates that ecosystems do not need to remain isolated to remain functional. When environmental conditions are carefully understood and recreated, species from different parts of the world can coexist in balance while maintaining their individual characteristics.

Closing Reflection

“Around the World” exists at the intersection of science and art. It is both a botanical exploration and a visual statement that invites reflection on the interconnectedness of life.

The composition shows that diversity can create stability and that coexistence is not an exception, but a natural outcome when conditions allow it. In doing so, it reflects a broader perspective on the world, where differences do not divide but instead contribute to a richer and more resilient whole.