In his captivating video work, artist, researcher and composer Moritz Fehr deals with the notion of plant stress — a term borrowed from scientific discourse, denoting unfavourable conditions or the impact of substances that disrupt the metabolism and growth of plants.

The antagonist in this instance is excessive UV radiation, a prevalent factor in environmental pollution. Filmed exclusively in the ultraviolet light spectrum, Fehr’s work shows the act of applying SPF 50 sunscreen to various plants, thus creating a peculiar, shimmering black shield against the relentless effect of UV rays on the flora, resulting in the image itself slowly starting to disappear. This encounter creates a nuanced narrative around the implications of human influence on the natural world.

Moritz Fehr is a Berlin-based artist, researcher, and composer exploring constellations of objectivity and emotion, technology and nature, and psychological aspects of hearing and seeing. His works, encompassing sound and moving images, are often site-specific installations or environments. Fehr studied at Bauhaus University Weimar and Tokyo National University of the Arts. Also in Weimar, he completed a PhD in Fine Arts. His projects have been showcased globally, including venues like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston) and Kunstverein Hildesheim. (As of 2024)