In, A Botanist’s Dilemma: The Defiant Nature of the Banana Plant, artist Faye Pamintuan uses the lens of plant movement, adaptation, and the deep relationship between humans and plants to examine her own diasporic experience. With the banana plant 's journey as a starting point and through the manipulation of abaca (a banana tree indigenous to the Philippines) as paper pulp material along with paintings, ceramics, and installation, she creates imagined landscapes that trace, question, and challenge the relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

Join the artist for a walking guided tour of the two exhibition spaces where the exhibit is installed. Meet in front of the Nevin Welcome Center where the art installation is located. Artist Faye Pamintuan and horticulturist Melissa Cox will share information and background about the plants usually located where the art is displayed.

We will then walk to Olive Tjaden Hall (about a 20-25 min. walk) to view the second part of Pamintuan's exhibition inside Tjaden Gallery. The walk will mostly be on flat terrain with some slight uphills on natural terrain and sidewalks (Please wear COMFORTABLE shoes).

Viewers will see paintings on paper, a mural, collage pieces, and sculptures made out of abaca. Participants will have as much time as they would like to view the exhibition and the artist will be present to answer any questions or curiosities. The tour will then conclude here.

Dates/times: Thursday, April 9; 3:00-4:30pm; Friday, April 10; 3:00 -4:30 p.m.
Location: Meet in front of Cornell Botanic Gardens' Nevin Welcome Center
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is ecnouraged but not required. Register here.