Flor de Venezuela designed by Fruto Vivas

               

  Flor de Venezuela (which translates to flower of Venezuela) was designed by Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas. Fruto Vivas was inspired by the Tepuyes of the Gran Sabaana and the national flower of Venezuela, an orchid. The pavilion was constructed during a time when technology was becoming more prominent than ever. Vivas definitely incorporated this increasing popularity in the work. He adhered very closely to his Venezuelan heritage which played a large role in what he placed within the pavilion. He included many material natives to Venezuela in the piece. A huge aspect if the piece was the location and the biodiversity of Venezuela. Venezuela had an abundance of different species of both animals and plants. Fruto Vivas grew up to be a huge political activist supporting the

communist party of Venezuela and spreading his ideas in different political forums. He became a quite controversial man which played a role in the way the audience judged his works. He played a strong role in societal issues and built safe house and routes for the armed forces of nation liberation. He had a heavy alignment with pride for his country and also making sure it’s people were protected in different facets of the government.

                                 Fruto Vivas incorporated many of his beliefs in his work but the two key themes of this work where nature and technology and their relationship with each other. Vivas created this theme of nature through creating an 18 petal flower that opens up in the light and closes during the day. Venezuela has a huge amount of biodiversity, which has made it popular. He incorporated a light weight material to ensure movement of the petals to highlight his theme of nature and make the pavilion more realistic. He then used an intricate lighting system and sleek metal to give the flower a very techno looks. This is a stark contrast with its representation of nature. It served to represent innovation on the technological front for

Venezuela. He meshed these to together to show how one does not have to negate the other. He wanted to stress the importance of the coexistence of technology with nature because he felt that beauty in nature was important to acknowledge and appreciate. He did not want that to get lost in the growth of technology. By incorporating advanced technology with the nation flower, he created a space that many enjoy sitting under while simultaneously conveying the message of the importance of both and the beauty in their coexistence.

                  The beauty behind this piece exists in it’s theme of the harmony that must exist between nature and technology. Fruto Vivas addressed an issue that is so relevant to us nowadays. This idea that with the growth of technology, the appreciation for organic beauty has become antiquated is false and Fruto Vivas shows how the two can exist. Nature in inherently beautiful but the things we have innovatively discovered and created through technology are equally as fascinating. Vivas constructed that pavilion with precision and articulation, focusing on the materials and movement. The combination of the realness of the flower and the patriotism within the piece made it significant. I also think that art that

everyone can enjoy is beautify. Opening up a piece for interpretation is generous to the audience. I also find art that is not only visually pleasing but functional as well to be beautiful. The beauty exists in the use of the piece. It is existing not only to please the eye but also as a space for people to create memories which contributes the message of the piece. Art that betters everyone who encounters it is “good” art. It should move its audience in some way or provoke thought. This piece challenges it's spectators and users to find a balance in nature and technology.