O Horizon

The exhibition “O Horizon” brings together a collection of sculptures by the duo Xolo Cuintle (Romy Texier & Valentin Vie Binet) within the botanical collections of the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier. It is presented as part of the creative projects of Mécènes du Sud Montpellier-Sète-Béziers.

In soil science, “O Horizon” refers to the organic horizon of soils—the surface layer rich in plant matter where numerous processes of decomposition, interactions, and transformations take place. As the interface between the aboveground and underground worlds, this layer serves as a space for the circulation, recycling, and renewal of life.

The works on display are the result of research conducted in collaboration with botanists, entomologists, gardeners, and researchers from the University of Montpellier, as well as volunteers from the Friends of the Jardin des Plantes association.

This work explores the invisible relationships, interdependencies, and biological cycles that connect the plant, animal, and microbial species present in the garden and, more broadly, shape ecosystems. Through this exhibition, the duo examines the chains of interactions and the cause-and-effect phenomena that shape living environments. Often imperceptible because they occur underground, are microscopic, or unfold on timescales different from our own, these processes invite us to reconsider our place within the living world.