Bartram’s Garden: A Botanical Haven with a History of Colonial Influence
Nestled along the serene Schuylkill River in southwest Philadelphia lies Bartram’s Garden, the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in North America. Founded by renowned botanist John Bartram in the 18th century, this historic site boasts many firsts, including being home to the oldest ginkgo tree in North America. However, the garden’s rich history is intertwined with the broader narrative of colonialism in the Americas, where new species were introduced, mirroring the influx of populations from different parts of the world.
Artist Joiri Minaya’s recent performance, “Venus Flytrap,” staged against the backdrop of Bartram’s Garden, delves into themes of identity, visibility, and belonging. Performers clad in plantain-inspired bodysuits are symbolically “planted” before the audience, gradually shedding their uniform to reveal vibrant floral patterns beneath. This juxtaposition challenges conventional notions of identity, blurring markers like race and class while evoking traditional femininity through gestures like hair flips and hand placements.
Minaya, a New York-based artist of Dominican descent, has been exploring themes of migration, colonization, and stereotypes through her artwork. “Venus Flytrap” marks her first collaboration with a choreographer, bringing the body to life through floral ornamentation inspired by native and African species. This transformation reflects the evolution of Bartram’s Garden from its colonial origins to a space for cultural cross-pollination, exemplified by the Sankofa Community Farm housed within its grounds.
During the performance, the initial sense of unfamiliarity gradually gives way to familiarity as performers engage in everyday actions, blending seamlessly with the audience. The choreographed vignettes unfold across the garden, culminating in a festive celebration inspired by the sorrel plant—a symbol of resilience in Caribbean and Juneteenth traditions. From poised elegance to carnivalesque frolic, “Venus Flytrap” captures the essence of transformation and cultural exchange.
Curator Dessane Lopez Cassell, who shares a Dominican heritage with Minaya, underscores the project’s exploration of colonial legacies and the reshaping of natural landscapes by settlers. Drawing inspiration from Minaya’s previous “Containers” series, the performance challenges Western perspectives on nature and botanical gardens, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world.
“Venus Flytrap” stands out as a vibrant fusion of visual art and performance, inviting audiences to question notions of beauty, desire, and exoticism. In Minaya’s universe, fear gives way to curiosity, prompting viewers to embrace the unfamiliar and question preconceived notions. As the performance unfolds amidst the lush surroundings of Bartram’s Garden, Minaya’s transformative vision leaves a lasting impression on those who witness the spectacle.
“Joiri Minaya: Venus Flytrap” will be on display at Bartram’s Garden until June 29, featuring printmaking and indigo dyeing workshops alongside the performance. Organized by BlackStar Projects and curated by Dessane Lopez Cassell, this immersive experience offers a unique blend of art, nature, and cultural exploration.
