The Passionflower's Many Meanings
Step into the world of the Passiflora, where striking beauty and symbolism intertwine.
In this third volume of "Arrangements," we turn our gaze to the captivating passionflower, a climbing vine whose blooms unfurl so fantastically they seem conjured from a dream. The Spanish christened it “La Flor de las Cinco Llagas” in the 16th century, interpreting its vivid parts as symbols of the Passion of Christ. Yet, this plant's roots in human history stretch even further back; it was cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas for its edible fruits and myriad medicinal uses. Today, it's found everywhere from humble backyards to grand botanical gardens, thriving across diverse climates and captivating people with its striking beauty. In Japan, where it’s known as the "clock-faced plant," the passionflower has adopted new cultural significance, evolving into a symbol within the queer community—a profound shift from its earlier meanings. In this edition of "Arrangements,” I invite you to explore the passionflower, a plant as symbolic as it is enigmatic, now left open to your own interpretation.
James Francis’ Substack post, “Flower and Fruit,” explores the lifecycle of the passionflower—its fleeting beauty and inevitable transformation into fruit—serving as a poignant allegory for the cyclical nature of inspiration and creation.
Sophia Moreno-Bunge, founder of Los Angeles-based floral design studio Isa Isa, is known for her unexpected, sculptural arrangements. Her striking composition of passionflowers amid vibrant green vines, accented by brilliant purple blooms, exemplifies her ability to capture nature's wild spontaneity in breathtaking artistic displays.
In her latest work, Hannah Hanlon explores Southeastern flora and fauna, drawing inspiration from her own backyard's biodiversity. Using colored pencils, she crafts pieces like "Passiflora Vine with Luna Moth," where her design background influences the creation of luminous illustrations.
Alonsa Guevara's tondo paintings, ethereal and richly detailed, feature kaleidoscopic arrays of flora and fauna. Her work "Call of the Passion Flower" exemplifies this approach, presenting elements in a mandala-like pattern that symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the deep connections between all living things.
Karl Blossfeldt, a sculptor and photographer in early 20th-century Berlin, meticulously documented the intricate details of plants like the Passiflora to teach design principles. His belief that "the plant...compels everything to attain the highest artistic form" informed his focus on photographing natural forms over the next 30 years.
Zachari Logan's "Passionflower, Self-Portrait" merges the expressive imagery of the passionflower with elements of his own identity, illustrating the intersections of masculinity and the natural world. Through his art, Logan metaphorically uses his body to represent a queer embodiment of nature.
In a world increasingly detached from nature, Andrew Zuckerman’s photography attempts to reconnect us. Known for exploring human-nature interactions, he uses highly detailed portraiture to reveal layers of intrinsic beauty and significance. His print "Passiflora Incarnata," with its intense depiction of the flower, exemplifies his technique.
In Mariana Enriquez's Our Share of Night, a father and son grapple with their inherited connection to a mysterious cult amidst the backdrop of post-dictatorship Argentina. In one scene, they find refuge in a home where "...passionflowers, chrysanthemums, dahlias, forget-me-nots and wisteria climb up tall ferns and reach the house, ascending the walls to the roof," painting a scene of wild, creeping beauty that mirrors the story’s deep exploration of familial ties and dark legacies.
From the passionflower springs passion fruit. In this New Yorker article, writer Hannah Goldfield traces the fruit’s journey around Los Angeles. At Isla in Santa Monica, a muffin is reinvented with a glaze of passion fruit and olive oil; in Historic Filipinotown, Chainsaw introduces a refreshing twist with their passion-fruit-lime icebox pie; while Doubting Thomas delights with its passion-fruit pie, each slice generously topped with whipped cream and dotted with seeds.
For the home baker, this passionfruit tart from Bens OnlyPans looks divine. Additionally, can find a recipe for passion fruit pie in Natasha Pickowicz’s More Than Cake cookbook.
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