Blooming in the deep is inspired by algae (commonly known as seaweed). Algae give life and nourishment to all species and provide us with about half of our oxygen. They are key to keeping our ecosystem alive. Yet, they commonly invoke unpleasant associations: green, slimy, fuzzy scum. I was fascinated by the vast diversity of algae and how beautiful it looks upon taking a closer look through a microscope. Through the “Subversive botanicals” project, I wanted to showcase algae as an underestimated hero of the botanical world, the one that persists in challenging us and our ways. I opted for intricate and heavily repeated patterns, as a representation of how I perceived algae under the microscope –  delicate vines intertwined in excessively complex structures. My colour palette is inspired by the algae, but also its oceanic habitat – dominated by the bright blue, green and turquoise.