“Roots in Air: People/Plants/Ethics in Suspension”

Out of the urban ruins and food deprivation of World War II came the prototype for growing plants aeroponically. Aeroponics has since taken surprising turns as a technology for anthropocenic conditions – in Global South laboratories; “vertical gardens”; art installations; plant biology experiments for colonizing the cosmos. In its wake, questions open concerning the ethics of plant-people relations in future-making projects.

Debbora Battaglia is Professor Emerita of Anthropology at Mt. Holyoke College.

The Center for Cultural Studies hosts a weekly Wednesday colloquium featuring work by faculty and visitors. The sessions consist of a 40-45 minute presentation followed by discussion. We gather at noon, with presentations beginning at 12:15 PM. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunches; the Center provides coffee, tea, and cookies.

All Center for Cultural Studies events are free and open to the public. Staff assistance is provided by the Institute for Humanities Research.