In The Garden: Giggles In The Greenery

Graphic Anthology of New Works by 12 International Artists collectively

Initiated, curated, and Riso-printed by Dominica Harrison
With support from
Manchester Metropolitan University
and University of the Arts London

The graphic anthology ‘Anima Mundi inaugural book explores inter-species communication between humans, plants, fungi, and minerals. Anima Mundi’s books are artefacts that draw viewers’ attention to the diverse and wonderful life within the more-than-human world. The protagonist, Seraphina, who travels the Four Kingdoms, represents open-minded curiosity and respect when encountering other life forms. As we navigate an era dominated by information saturation, a mental health crisis, and pressing environmental issues, we urgently need to reimagine our relationship with nature. ‘In The Garden’ explores entheogenic plants and their potential to expand consciousness. Every plant featured in the book has a rich history of medicinal and ritual use. These plants have enabled humans to probe the mysteries of consciousness, bridging human experiences with a greater sense of the Spirit and facilitating our recognition, acceptance, and engagement with the more-than-human world.

Kim Noce Statement

For “In The Garden: Giggles In The Greenery” I created illustrations and animations that research the mystical history of Datura in witchcraft. This work explores the role of women healers and their historical mislabeling as witches, using medicinal herbs, symbols, and movement to tell their stories. Inspired by “Witches, Midwives, and Nurses,” my illustrations highlight the suppression of women in medicine as male-dominated practices took over. Central to this narrative is Datura, a plant with a rich and mysterious history. Known for its psychoactive alkaloids, Datura has served as a potent medicine and a powerful toxin. Datura is historically linked to witch hunts in the Middle Ages, symbolizing the complex intersection of herbalism, medicine, and societal fears. Its anticholinergic properties, which cause vivid hallucinations and profound disorientation, have been both revered and feared. The plant’s history includes its use in traditional medicine for asthma and its role in rituals, embodying the fine line between remedy and poison. By exploring Datura’s legacy, we uncover layers of forgotten wisdom and the political history of medicine, revealing the intricate relationship between society and the women who practised healing.

The book was created as a collective journey.

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