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

About the Project

Rhizomatic is a multimedia tapestry installation weaving Indigenous knowledge with scientific perspectives on native plants. Each double-sided tapestry explores interconnectedness across biological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.

Presented at Chicago Botanic Garden and Austin Central Public Library, adapting to each location's unique context and native plant species.

Installation Views

Rhizomatic installations at Chicago Botanic Garden and Austin Central Library

Tapestry Designs

Each double-sided tapestry weaves together Indigenous cultural knowledge with botanical scientific perspectives

Click any image to view in full detail and navigate through the collection

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