Pollinator Pathmaker in pollinator vision, 2023. Courtesy the artist. © Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg Ltd

Pollinator Pathmaker

Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg (GB)

Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg’s Pollinator Pathmaker is a transformative artwork, designed from the perspective of pollinating insects rather than humans.

The artwork challenges traditional garden aesthetics by using an algorithmic tool developed in collaboration with AI scientists, horticulturalists and pollinator experts to design gardens that meet the needs of bees, butterflies, moths and other important pollinators that are affected by human actions such as habitat destruction and climate change. Winner of the S+T+ARTS Grand Prize 2023 for Artistic Exploration, Pollinator Pathmaker is a climate-friendly initiative that invites everyone from amateurs to experienced gardeners to get involved in creating sensitive, sustainable gardens.

Pollinator Pathmaker Eden Project Edition. Photo: Royston Hunt. Courtesy Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg Ltd

Using the free online tool at pollinator.art, any space can become a unique DIY artwork that promotes empathy and proactive care for diverse species. Knitting together the DIY Editions are large public Pollinator Pathmaker Editions. The first two opened in 2022: a 55m artwork at the Eden Project in Cornwall (UK), and eleven beds over 250m in Kensington Gardens, London (UK), commissioned by the Serpentine. The LAS Edition opened in 2023 with 7000 plants carpeting the forecourt of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (DE). The two prints displayed here depictunrealized Pollinator Pathmaker planting schemes from the perspective of pollinating insects. The artist digitally paints each plant that appears in her ‘Plant Palettes’, making it possible to visualize each potential living artwork in a virtual space before it is planted. Audiences themselves are invited to create, plant and share their garden design with customised planting instructions that include a certificate of authenticity and planting guide. Contribute to the world’s largest climate-positive artwork!


Credits:

Fine Art Pigment prints, 2023
Pollinator Pathmaker: AfyLbwTriWhuR7PDkd77LZ (Pollinator Vision, Late Summer)
Pollinator Pathmaker: iFADDiPqc5HU3KiFxjBEuG (Pollinator Vision, Early Summer)
Pollinator.art, 2021-ongoing

Originally commissioned by the Eden Project and funded by Garfield Weston Foundation. Founding supporters Gaia Art Foundation, Google Arts & Culture.
International Edition Founding supporter LAS Art Foundation.

This interactive exhibition version of pollinator.art was supported by Gaia Art Foundation.