On being a Houseplant

I was normal about 109 houseplants ago. An existence that is defined by a space – a space that supports it and has its limitations.

Being like a houseplant is a powerful metaphor to me, one of personal growth and self-discovery within the constraint of societal expectations. Just as a houseplant is nurtured within a set pot, we too are often nurtured within certain parameters set by society, family, and even ourselves.

A houseplant relies on its caregiver for sustenance - much like we depend on relationships and societal structures for emotional and psychological support. However, there’s also an element of confinement; the pot restricts the plant’s root growth, just as norms and beliefs can limit our potential.

Ultimately, embodying the essence of a houseplant symbolises both resilience and adaptability. It involves flourishing within the confines of predetermined boundaries while simultaneously pushing against those limits in search of one’s authentic self.

Nadia Ettwein is part of »Guest Room: Daniel Boetker-Smith & Tanvi Mishra«.

Check out her Artist Feature “Houseplant”.