Taraxacum Officinale installation of work for the Bradford Institute for Health Research

Abstract

Taraxacum Officinale
An interpretation of mitosis for the Bradford institute of health research
Installed April 2015

It is intriguing how colour can be revealed by shining light through some objects, something that is normally revealed by reflecting light off the surface, the intensive light from a obsolete X ray plate light box retrieved from Bradford Royal Infirmary not only reveals the internal structure of some objects, but creates images that are at once beautiful and fascinating.
Using seeding dandelions and other wild plants, the images created can be seen as metaphors for fertility and conception, but also of death and regeneration.
The dandelion, which forms the centre of these images, is the only flower that represents the three celestial bodies of the sun, the moon, and the stars.
The yellow flower represents the sun, the puffball the moon and the dispersing spores the stars.
It is recognized as a symbol of hope, summer and childhood, but also as a symbol of grief.
In folklore it is known as the dandelion clock; blowing on the seed head to determine what time it is,
how long you will live, how many children you will have, when you will marry.
It is also know for its medicinal properties, dandelion roots and leaves have used to treat liver problems
and dandelions boiled in water have been used to treat urinary infections, skin problems
and upset stomachs.