Rhizomatic

A collaborative multimedia art installation exploring cultural and scientific stories of diversity and interconnectedness through Indigenous knowledge and native plants

Exhibition Overview

Rhizomatic is a site-responsive multimedia installation that adapts to each venue's architectural and cultural context. The work consists of large-scale double-sided tapestries that create an immersive environment exploring the interconnections between Indigenous knowledge systems and botanical science.

Adaptable Scale

Flexible installation accommodates spaces from 800-3,000 sq ft, with modular tapestry arrangements

Site-Specific

Content adapts to local native plant species and Indigenous cultural contexts of each venue

Past Venues & Impact

Chicago Botanic Garden

September - November 2024

Exhibited in the Regenstein Center, reaching over 15,000 visitors during the fall season. The installation featured native Illinois prairie plants and incorporated Potawatomi cultural perspectives.

Austin Central Library

March - May 2025

Installed in the Solar Canopy outdoor gallery space, engaging with Austin's diverse community. Featured Texas native plants and incorporated Coahuiltecan and Apache knowledge systems.

Installation Documentation

Comprehensive visual documentation from Chicago Botanic Garden and Austin Central Library installations

Chicago Botanic Garden - Regenstein Center (9 Installation Views)

Austin Central Library - Solar Canopy Gallery (9 Installation Views)

Resources for Curators

Exhibition Catalog

Full documentation with essays, installation views, and technical specifications

Request Catalog

Technical Rider

Detailed installation requirements, floor plans, and equipment specifications

Download Rider

Press & Reviews

Media coverage, critical reviews, and audience feedback documentation

Press Kit

Schedule a Curatorial Consultation

Discuss how Rhizomatic can be adapted for your institution's specific context and community

Contact Essentials Creative

Educational Programming

Essentials Creative offers hands-on creative workshops exploring the artistic techniques and cultural contexts behind the Rhizomatic installation. Participants engage with Indigenous knowledge systems through collaborative art-making processes that honor traditional perspectives while exploring contemporary artistic expression.

Recent Workshops

Portrait & Collage Workshop

Austin Central Library • October 2025 • Community engagement through multimedia art-making

Interested in hosting a workshop? Contact us

About Essentials Creative

Essentials Creative is a multimedia collective producing holistic applied arts experiences. Our multifaceted approach incorporates photography, graphic design, video, projection, animation, and installation to create comprehensive artistic narratives. We create platforms for underrepresented artists to express themselves and find support within their field. Our collective is composed of and embraces artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Fluidity, diversity, experimentation, and collaboration are the foundational principles that guide all Essentials Creative projects, regardless of medium or scale.

Misa Yamamoto

Graphic Designer / Art Director, Austin

Fabian Villa

Photographer / Visual Artist, Austin

Steven Casanova

Videographer / Photographer, San Antonio

Sixto-Juan Zavala

Designer / Illustrator, London