South Korean artist Taehyoung Maria Jeon’s fantastical plant illustrations break the mould, inviting viewers to question their understanding of nature. By experimenting with surreal shapes and vibrant colours, Jeon reimagines the humble plant as a medium for endless creativity.

“Ironically, having rules is what gives me the freedom to experiment with plant shape,” she says. Her process involves starting with leaves and stems, then venturing into surreal terrain, where purple veins, red outlines, and a smattering of stars appear, adding an uncanny and otherworldly quality to the work.

The title of the project, Plant Series, reflects both the artistic challenge and the evolving nature of the drawings. Starting as a personal project, the series has grown into a monograph titled Folium, published by Volume, which functions like Kickstarter, asking readers to back the project before printing. The illustrations, with their vivid colour palettes and intricate compositions, aim to send out positive vibes, challenging us to see the world anew through the eyes of imagination.