Silent Parasite 

This project explores the visual and symbolic tension between parasite and host. By photographing trees burdened with mistletoe, I examine the delicate balance of dependence and destruction. The images reflect not only biological interactions but also broader societal and ecological implications. In human systems, parasitism manifests in various forms (economic, social, technological) where individuals or institutions exploit resources without sustainable reciprocity.

At the heart of this work is the question: when does interdependence become exploitation? Through these photographs, I invite viewers to consider the parallels between nature’s parasitic relationships and humanity’s extractive tendencies—toward each other and the planet.
The relationship between mistletoe and trees serves as a metaphor for broader societal dynamics: economic systems where some take without giving back, digital platforms that extract user data for profit, and social structures where emotional or financial labor is unequally distributed. In the digital age—where sharing is constant, expected, and often mandatory—we must ask: Are we hosts, or are we parasites?

Yet, nature rarely deals in absolutes. While mistletoe is a parasite, it also holds medicinal value for humans, used in various traditional and modern treatments. This contradiction adds another layer to the project, suggesting that not all parasitism is purely destructive; some relationships may offer unseen benefits.