In Hidden Messages, Marta & Slava (Marta Volkova & Slava Shevelenko) explore the subtle, often invisible interaction between man and nature. They create new work especially for the Kasteel Wijlre estate – from vases and drawings to sculptures and scale models – inspired by the hidden language of plants and flowers.

The artist duo, who live and work in Maastricht, combines mythical and scientific themes with philosophical and political reflection, often playful and ironic in tone. In this exhibition, they are guided by recent insights into plant biology: flowers contain UV patterns that show pollinating insects the way. What can we learn from this natural communication?

In a time of ecological, geopolitical and cultural pressure, Hidden Messages offers a poetic view of how nature and culture can strengthen each other. The exhibition is developed within Kasteel Wijlre estate's attention for the relationship between humans and the more-than-human world.