Toxic Love
This art book project is inspired by both the tradition of Women’s Victorian botanical studies, and the use of floral symbology as secret code between women. Interested in the way that flowers and ornaments are dismissed as silly or decorative, in the way that romance novels are dismissed as unserious literature, I wanted to subvert expectations and create a book exploring the forms of toxic flowers, and heartbreak.
I sent out a survey to classmates and friends to submit ‘the most hurtful thing a lover has said to you,’ and used these submissions as component parts of floral designs.
I wanted the first impression to be romantic, ornamental, and gilded. And the more shocking elements emerge only upon closer inspection. This functions in the very way that toxic relationships develop. There’s an initial seduction, a beautiful appeal to romance. However, before even realizing it things can turn toxic and sour. I wanted the form of this to mirror that experience.
Photos courtesy of John Lewtas.