Articles
The taste of resilience: building cactus collective memory and culinary narratives through art-science collaboration
Article number
1452_62
Pages
477 – 482
Language
English
Abstract
The project “Cactus Memories, Cochineal Mysteries” began in 2020 in response to the ecological crisis of cactus pear decimation in Morocco due to cochineal infestations.
This project reframed the destruction of cacti as an opportunity for artistic expression and innovation, by demonstrating how participatory art can foster dialog around collective memory and sustainability.
The Moroccan phase explored the cultural and ecological significance of cacti through participatory activities such as artistic, scientific and culinary workshops.
Key outcomes included: transformation of an ecological crisis into an artistic gesture by sparking curiosity and engagement through participatory art; innovating local food practices by demonstrative culinary workshops, generating curiosity and enthusiasm; public participation through art and dialog, nurturing collective memory and exploring sustainability and heritage; sensory and scientific integration by bridging artistic curiosity with ecological knowledge; raising ecological awareness using these activities to position cacti as symbols of resilience and sustainability, sparking discussions on their potential for local food systems and climate adaptation strategies through solid water.
This presentation showcases the project’s potential for replication in South Africa.
It is aimed to deepen engagement with local communities, explore innovative culinary uses of cacti, and strengthen the collective memory of cacti’s ecological, historical, artistic, sociological, economic and cultural significance.
This project reframed the destruction of cacti as an opportunity for artistic expression and innovation, by demonstrating how participatory art can foster dialog around collective memory and sustainability.
The Moroccan phase explored the cultural and ecological significance of cacti through participatory activities such as artistic, scientific and culinary workshops.
Key outcomes included: transformation of an ecological crisis into an artistic gesture by sparking curiosity and engagement through participatory art; innovating local food practices by demonstrative culinary workshops, generating curiosity and enthusiasm; public participation through art and dialog, nurturing collective memory and exploring sustainability and heritage; sensory and scientific integration by bridging artistic curiosity with ecological knowledge; raising ecological awareness using these activities to position cacti as symbols of resilience and sustainability, sparking discussions on their potential for local food systems and climate adaptation strategies through solid water.
This presentation showcases the project’s potential for replication in South Africa.
It is aimed to deepen engagement with local communities, explore innovative culinary uses of cacti, and strengthen the collective memory of cacti’s ecological, historical, artistic, sociological, economic and cultural significance.
Authors
E. Forno, M. de Wit, L. Boshoff, M. Fariji, E. Guillen
Keywords
culinary practices, ecological art, edible ecologies, food and memory, Opuntia ficus-indica, sensorial knowledge, taste as method, transdisciplinary research, vegetal agency, vegetal diplomacy
Groups involved
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