Margot Wilson

In our contemporary world, the act of eating has become intertwined with a myriad of complex issues, from environmental degradation to societal responsibility. "After We Eat," an practice led visual art project, speculates a future archaeological landscape set in 2074.  A team effort that began with a gentle exploration into the ‘shared eating experience’ evolved into a radically futuristic gaze on what remains after the effect of global warming on our present trajectory. It was agreed that we make a short film using black and white stills that observes a team of forensic archaeologists digging up the same take away items that we originally intended to bury. Our aim was to create a dystopian atmosphere that presented the artefacts as strangely hazardous. Living on a houseboat in Surrey I knew of an ideal wasteland location we could use to set the scene. Chosen for its surrounding areas of M25 overpass and electricity generating plant with multiple pylons, there was an added bonus of no permission being required as neither the area nor public would be impacted by the filming. Some 8-weeks into our collaboration planning we finally had a project vision that had at the forefront the value of democratic collaboration. Despite the brevity of the topic our project was fun and creative. Our first task was to storyboard our shot-by-shot sequence, leaving latitude for some improvisation on the day, which proved to be a major part of the project. Overall, the photographing took 2-hours, using both Tyler’s camera and the images shot by stills photographer, James Merrell. We wanted to have all of us in the film, hence we opted for an external photographer. The final project is both an end and beginning as it has both altered our relationship to what we do after we eat awakened us to the lack of consumer awareness about the manipulative and harmful stockpiling practices used in rapidly growing sector of waste management for profit. In terms of editing, I worked with Tyler and Zhonghu on the first half of the day and they diligently completed it. I also sourced the sound track from Marcus Herne and condensed the final group statement while Ruo created the group PDF. Throughout we were kind, gentle, warm, friendly, attentive, receptive, open, and willing to adapt. If anything, the zig zagging project pathway we took is a tribute to these shared values, at no time being confrontational or in polemic disagreement, which at one stage made me wonder if our focus was lacking passion. Perhaps the earlier stages of the journey proved to be more about generating the vital energetics of feeling safe and generating sufficient trust for confidence and courage to emerge. I can only speak for myself, but the patience and flexibility of my team mates did invite me to relax and move towards a more playful space. It was instantly clear that each of us lit up the moment the visual element emerged, underscoring the unique value of practice led research.