MUR 011 | MADHUMITA NANDI + ZEREN ORUC || LISTENING TO THE LAND
"By bridging the gap between modern and traditional methods, as well as intergenerational knowledge, we seek to unearth sustainable agricultural practices that honour the land and its inhabitants." Madhumita Nandi and Zeren Oruc
Madhumita Nandi and Zeren Oruc, both members of the curatorial collective behind the long-term initiative "Listening to the Land" synergising individual research and passions to amplify narratives of resistance while underscoring the regenerative ability of the land. Through their collaborative endeavours, they cultivate a shared learning platform that surfaces marginalised perspectives and fosters transnational connections.
Immersed in Ishigaki's local communities, they actively explore their wisdom and practices concerning sustainable cultivation and harvesting techniques. By bridging modern and traditional methods, along with intergenerational knowledge, they seek to unearth sustainable agricultural practices that honour the land and its inhabitants.
Their exploration encompasses terrestrial flora and marine resources, encompassing studies of both indigenous and non-indigenous plants, as well as traditional seaweed foraging/farming and micro-algae cultivation. Through meaningful engagements with local communities, they seek to deepen the comprehension of contemporary and time-honoured agricultural practices. Grounded in active listening, their methodology incorporates sound, storytelling, and music to interpret embodied practices, while immersion in the natural environment and interaction with locals allow us to attune to the rhythms and narratives of the land.
Their community-focused initiatives, including workshops and events, provide hands-on activities, discussions, and creative projects, fostering diverse perspectives on sustainable practices in Ishigaki. Ultimately, their initiative aims to decipher local knowledge, nurture community resilience, and ignite a global dialogue on sustainable practices.
Madhumita Nandi is a visual artist, researcher, and curator based in Berlin and Kolkata. Her interdisciplinary practice explores the intersections of memory culture, ecology, and archival methodologies, often through multimodal anthropology. With a background in documentary and lifestyle photography, she has worked with humanitarian organizations and global brands. As the Artistic Co-Director of Oyoun in Berlin, she develops intersectional projects focusing on decolonial, queer-feminist, and migrant perspectives. Her work emphasizes participatory initiatives that engage diverse communities globally, spanning interactive installations, performances, and web platforms.
Zeren Oruc is an independent curator whose work focuses on ecocriticism, alternative art production, and overlooked cultural elements in postmodern society. She has led workshops on foraging and guerrilla gardening, exploring the connections between urban spaces and natural environments. Her curatorial approach emphasizes community engagement and the exploration of ecological themes through participatory art practices.