Spanish version (español)

BOTÁNICO NARCOTICÓN

The project takes up the theme of the old botanical treatises, containing engravings, classifications and a subjective, meticulous look at the vegetal and the synthetic. The images depict plants, grains, barks, flowers and mushrooms that have historically maintained a close relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.

This pseudo-scientific document attempts a synthesis between medieval herbal medicine and contemporary medicine, overlapping the knowledge and tensions of both worlds.

In June 2019 I made El Narcoticón, an extended edition that incorporated the following substances and their source plants: Aspirin, Caffeine, Ephedrine, Ergoline, Heroin, Mateine, Mescaline, Nicotine, Penicillin and Theine.

In 2025 I took the project up again, this time working on paper I made myself from liquefied and pressed cellulose pulp. All the matrices were carved in palo blanco wood, including the texts, although on this occasion I experimented with a laser engraver to inscribe the typography. I also ventured into a hybrid cover that combines laser-engraved lettering and burin carving, a technical and technological crossover that especially sums up the essence of the project.

Second edition (2026): 16 copies. Each copy is made on a different paper. I improved the pulp for this edition, and the binding is also better than in the first edition, which is sold out.

Each copy can be purchased for USD 50, or ARS 65,000 in Argentina.

[ Buy in Argentina with no shipping costs ]. For advice, write to marcelokopp@gmail.com