Inspired by the evocative poem attributed to Elicura Chihuailaf, a renowned Mapuche poet from Chile, this exhibition explores the profound metaphor of roots—both botanical and human—as a lens to investigate identity, belonging, and connection.

»I want to break the earth with my plow of a stick
And sow my simple words in the land.
I want to trace out the straight line of my own longings.
And look for symmetry in leaves past.
I want to knit the threads of white foam.
And lie down on the plush of a marine carpet.«

Chihuailaf’s poetry, deeply rooted in Mapuche culture and the natural world, blends indigenous worldview with lyrical expression, inspiring a meditation on how humans relate to their origins and environments.

This ongoing research project by Seçil Yaylali investigates the parallels between plant roots and human roots—how people imagine themselves as roots, how they are connected to their communities, cultures, and landscapes. The journey began through collaboration with the Mapuche community in Santiago de Chile, a group profoundly grounded in their heritage despite geographical displacement.

Roots are a common metaphor for identity and belonging, yet as physical objects, they remain largely unseen and mysterious. This exhibition invites viewers to observe, reflect, and engage with roots both literally and metaphorically. It highlights how human beings, despite their adaptability to different homes, climates, and cultures, maintain invisible roots that connect them to their histories and to each other.

At its core, the show is a self-reflective exploration of the hidden parts of ourselves—our origins, our feelings of belonging, and the interconnectedness that binds us all in the shared experience of living on this earth.

WEITERE TERMINE IM RAHMEN DER AUSSTELLUNG
> Workshop with Seçil Yaylalı
4 September, 4pm (Duration: 3 hours)
Registration by Gözde Ju > eMail: gozdeju(at)gmail.com

WORKSHOP
Inspired by Seçil Yaylalı’s Sinopale project, this workshop invites women from diverse backgrounds in Frankfurt to explore the metaphor of roots through a local plant—the horse chestnut tree, a familiar presence in the city’s parks and streets. Participants will begin by learning about the horse chestnut’s ecological and cultural significance, focusing on its roots as symbols of resilience and connection. Through guided reflection and storytelling, each woman will consider her own roots—her family history, personal journey, and relationship to Frankfurt—sharing memories and stories that shape her sense of belonging.

Building on these personal narratives, the group will observe the forms and textures of horse chestnut roots, then create symbolic sketches representing their individual and collective experiences. These sketches will be transformed into screen-printed flags on recycled fabric, with each flag embodying a unique story. Displayed together in a public space, the flags will form an installation evoking the intertwining of roots, visually expressing the interconnectedness of Frankfurt’s women. The workshop aims to foster dialogue, celebrate diversity, and create a lasting symbol of community through art and shared experience.

The exhibition takes place in the framework of the Frankfurt Art Experience 2025.