Plants, Places, and Power: Toward Social and Ecological Justice in German Literature and Film

Plants,Places,and Power explores the portrayal of plants and landscapes in recent German novels and films, addressing contemporary forms of racism, nationalism, social and ecological injustice, and gender inequity. The book offers new approaches to contemporary literature and film from an intersectional, ecological perspective and forms a canon of works by female artists, artists of color, artists who have experienced forced displacement, and/or queer artists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Plants, Places, and Power is a comprehensive exploration of plants and landscapes in contemporary German-language literature and film. Through narratives and visual representations, these cultural productions become vital platforms for shedding light on the enduring legacies of German colonialism and Nazism, as well as addressing contemporary manifestations of racism, nationalism, social and ecological injustice, and gender inequity. The novels and films analyzed in this book engage with these critical political issues in contemporary Europe and offer alternative visions for harmonious coexistence on our planet.

The book has two primary goals: to introduce fresh approaches to contemporary literature and film from an intersectional, ecological perspective, and to establish a canon. The selected works, spanning from Mo Asumang's documentary film Roots Germania (2007) to Faraz Shariat's Futur Drei (2020) and Yōko Tawada's novel Das nackte Auge (2004), to Saša Stanišić's Herkunft (2019), are created by female artists, artists of color, artists who have faced forced displacement, and/or queer artists.

In five chapters, Maria Stehle delves into artworks in relation to ecological systems, develops eco- and social criticism based on art, and intertwines ecological and critical thinking with inquiries into form, affect, and aesthetics. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices and social justice.

Through the lens of Plants, Places, and Power, we gain a profound appreciation for the role of plants and landscapes in shaping our cultural and political landscapes. These narratives and visual representations offer a powerful means of confronting the past and envisioning a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640141254