NADA Curated by Catherine Taft

Phaan Howng creates paintings and installations that focus on the Earth defensively brandishing itself in a post-human future. Using theatrical and cinematic elements in her work, she places the viewer in an idealized or satirical speculative future as a method of creating palatable pathways into more austere environmental topics.

Howng investigates ecological conditions brought on by globalization and capitalism throughout the history of horticulture. This exploration has led her to construct a narrative in which plant life gains consciousness to take revenge on harmful societies. Howng’s comical yet disturbing works are remarks on the history of Imperialist and Colonialist practices, while alluding to larger climate and environmental issues. Her neon colors and hyper-abstract forms highlight a toxic and unnatural landscape as if the flora were suddenly evolving from an earth corrupted by chemicals and waste – they teeter between being colorful and alluring, but embody a sinister quality. She teleports the viewer into a narrative to unravel the complex relationships between humans and nature, questioning mankind’s desire to manipulate, control or replicate nature.

Presented by Dinner Gallery, New York.