Anesu Nyamupingidza

In adulthood, I find that I fortunately have not yet grown out of the prodding at and tasting of plants I come across. Both those I know and those I do not. Disregarding the facts that these plants are not commonly in people’s fridges or making their way into people’s plates of food, I am driven by one question, “Is it edible?”

My work is the materialisation of two words; edible botany. It takes up many forms but, its intent remains the same; to inform. Exploring the edibility of unconventional ‘delicacies’ within the plant kingdom, I focus on plants and fungal pathogens that are stigmatised for their disruptive nature within our anthropogenic biomes, as well as plants that are a spectacle to many. 

Being heavily research based, I aim to inform the viewer of the endless possibilities and benefits of these plants, and their respective atmospheres. My hope is to transport the viewer from their urban-esque environment to the natural world. By building this interconnection, I intend to encourage an awareness towards the idea that nature giveth for us to sustain. I do this by evoking the human emotions through familiarity of styles and objects, as well as through the senses of taste and touch. I invite the viewer to interact with most of my works, which consist of functional wood pieces, plant arrangements, food, zines, botanical art and recipe cards as well as to collaborate with me by taking from the work and using or practicing it within the comforts of their privacy. 

Through these projects I hope to create an encyclopaedia of visual work pertaining to edible foods of the world. I aim to build a community of diverse cultures and food lovers through art.