INTERVIEW WITH DOMITILLA DARDI

In her book Herbarium, Domitilla Dardi, renowned historian and design curator, takes us into the fascinating world of botanical collections. Dardi presents herbariums not only as botanical documents, but also as artistic masterpieces that combine mythology and fantasy. With a modern design and high-quality illustrations, the book spans a bridge from ancient to contemporary, surreal plant worlds that inspire wonder and contemplation.

In an interview with Hatje Cantz, Dardi explains why fantastic herbariums particularly captivate her and how her unconventional presentation style opens up a new perspective on the subject. She talks about the inspiration behind the special design of the book and how the depiction of plants is a mirror of human longings and cultural stories.

Hatje Cantz: In your book, you describe herbariums not only as botanical documentation, but also as works with an artistic, fantastic, and graphic character. What fascinates you about this modern interpretation of herbariums, and how did you select the works?

Domitilla Dardi: What I like best about herbariums in general is the ability to achieve a taxonomy, that is, to recognize an order in the chaos of diversity. That's why fantastic herbariums are a kind of creative oxymoron for me: The authors have invented a parallel botany that doesn't exist in the real world, but they make the impossible possible through art and creativity. Authors who tend to invent such a fantastic vision generally also have a very interesting aesthetic expression.

HC: The design of the book itself is particularly elaborate: it has an open spine, a double cover, and special embossing variations. How did the concept for this design come about, and how do you see the role of this special layout in presenting the classic theme in a modern, unexpected way?

DD: We owe this to the superb graphic design by Studio FM, which won a silver medal at the European Design Award 2023. They perfectly interpreted the spirit of a research rooted in the past but with a strong appeal to the future. The book recalls old collections, but with a modern touch.

HC: The book also highlights the mythological and surreal elements present in the depiction of plants in art and culture – as the example of the mandrake shows. Why do you think such fantastic plant images have such a firm place in our culture?

DD: Because humans have always studied the plant, animal, and even mineral world to understand their deeper nature. The surreal part is the second half of the rational approach to knowledge. That's why the two elements in herbariums (but also in bestiaries and lapidaries, the first part of a trilogy) are so closely linked.

HC: You mention that the herbarium does not offer a linear, chronological narrative, but rather a walk through the history of herbariums. What effect do you hope to achieve with this concept? What is the appeal for you of working thematically rather than chronologically?

DD: I envisioned the book as a stroll through a very special wonder garden. Each chapter is an opportunity to illustrate a possible thread in the development of the topic. The result is indeed a kind of herbarium of herbariums, and I hope this encourages readers to reflect and activates their imagination.

The interview with Domitilla Dardi was conducted by László Rupp in November 2024.

Header image Domitilla Dardi © Serena Eller