Azucena Sanchez is a media artist from Mexico City, based in Munich, Germany. Her artistic practice focuses on the intersection of life, science and technology. Her works include bio media, tech sculpture, multimedia and site-specific installations that have been featured in international group exhibitions in Germany, Italy and Mexico. She draws inspiration from nature, but her artistic process goes beyond mere observation. For her, it is a collaborative effort that involves working alongside living and non-living organisms to explore their potential as interconnected entities and create new dialogues of resilience in the face of social and ecological crises.
‘Tlalli • Conversations with soil’ is an ecocentric approach through soil chromatograms and experimental poetry that addresses a new narrative around sustainable agriculture. The ongoing project is a conversation between urban gardeners and their soil, emphasising their subjective relationship and unveiling an alliance grounded in cooperation and reciprocity. The project involves visiting a range of self-sustaining gardens, spending time with the gardeners, and collecting soil samples to develop into soil chromatograms.
Soil chromatography is a photographic process and a low-cost method used by farmers to assess the biochemical health of their soil. The accompanying (eco)poems are crafted through a careful analysis of these chromatograms and incorporate words gathered from interviews with the gardeners. These words reflect the deep connection the gardeners share with their land and their profound reverence for the earth. At its core, this project explores the intricate relationship between humans and their environment, highlighting their capacity for coexistence and mutual regeneration. Through collective efforts, individuals are actively reshaping political and economic systems like agriculture and food production while promoting an equitable future based on sustainability and resilience. Through science and poetics, ‘Tlalli’ opens a dialogue for change and envisions a future that does not have to be chaotic or apocalyptic but just simpler and full of hope.
