In her art, Lena Violetta Leitner explores the coexistence of plants, animals and humans in a humorous and critical way. Based on scientific principles, she develops narrative structures that include fictional aspects and are condensed into imaginary experimental set-ups and laboratory scenarios. This position between fine art, design and science also makes her an activist who places her artistic activities in a larger social or ecological context.

Leitner, who repeatedly works in various collective collaborations, founded the Integration Center for Migrated Plants (IZMP) in 2017. In it, the artist satirically explores not only processes within nature and the plant world, but also general global migration dynamics. The IZMP examines the colonial history of invasive plants. Neophytes are plants that have colonized areas after 1492 through human dispersal where they did not previously occur. The decimation of autochthonous plants is the feared consequence.

In elaborate experimental set-ups and with the participation of various experts, values are collected that allow statements to be made about the resistance of a particular plant, for example. In the language laboratory, plants are exposed to German and behavioral courses while the resistance value of the leaves is measured at the same time. If unfavorable data is found with regard to adaptability, the plant is destroyed or returned to its original country of origin.

Lena Violetta Leitner is now opening a new IZMP showroom in the pavilion. Video clips will present the institute’s working methods and research approach as well as astonishing results.

Text: Günther Holler-Schuster, curator

STEIERMARK SCHAU 2025: Ambition & Illusion
History Repeating?
12.-30.3.2025
Heldenplatz Vienna (AT)

Artists: 
Hubert Schmalix, Erwin Wurm, Klaus Lang und Ārt House, Herbert Brandl, Constantin Luser, Plateau Residue, Antonia Jeitler, Karoline Rudolf, Mito Gegič, Franz Kapfer, Christof Neugebauer, Milica Tomić, Total Refusal, Lena Violetta Leitner, Michael Pöllinger, Andreas Heller