“The Rose That Grew From Concrete” is an interdisciplinary social practice wellness piece meant to support the healing of justice-impacted youth. This practice offers artists and youth opportunities to learn about, share, and present ancestral plant knowledge via the arts.
“The Rose That Grew From Concrete” is an interdisciplinary social practice wellness piece meant to support the healing of justice-impacted youth. This practice offers artists and youth opportunities to learn about, share, and present ancestral plant knowledge via the arts.
My goal was to bring awareness and dialogue around traditional forms of healing and to encourage positive, healing attitudes and practices. This project began with a day of learning about rose medicinal properties and its uses. Fifteen youth from CURYJ in Oakland, CA learned about and created personal rose glycerite bottles. These bottles were then included in a rose shaped installation at the Oakland Museum of California, where exhibition visitors were encouraged to send good energy, and sing songs to the rose medicine.
The share, installation, and activation produced immediate results. Where some youth participants were initially reluctant to participate, attitudes shifted and they began to smile, become inquisitive, interact, and engage, and share positive energy with each other and the community. They were excited about being part of the exhibition and including their personal medicine bottles in the installation.
What I learned is that ancestral plant knowledge, when offered with care and intention, can open people’s minds and hearts, and change attitudes. The transformation I witnessed confirmed that this work at the intersection of art, healing, and community has the power to reach those who need it most.
