Mariana Martins de Oliveira



Collaborations 𓍊𓋼𓍊

The Gramounce
TRHB x tanto mar


Research Projects  ꩜
Bread with a Head
Ways of Eating

Slow & Sesta win the race


Education 𓆸
Foundations of Spice
a cor na mesa #1
a cor na mesa #2


Archive
  𓌉◯𓇋

Visual diary
Photography
Scenography
Videography






Mariana’s ongoing research includes studio based work, culinary practices, open-source resources, workshops and collaborations with different communities, artists and projects.


Celebrating Food.






AboutContact



© 2024 All images and text copyright Mariana Martins de Oliveira


✦ The Gramounce 


2023-2024

Content creation for the food based art-research project The Gramounce. In the context of the new Art & Food Alternative MA. A colletion of visual editorials for social media, based on the main themes of the course and its lectures, as well as the conceptualization and production of original recipes that were shared in a newsletter context every month.


#1 Cooking in the Chtulucene



We view the Chthulucene (as described by Haraway) as an essential alternative narrative - a framework that reshapes our perspective on Earth, considering humans and other species as equals. There are opportunities for establishing new connections and forging novel partnerships, reevaluating food cultures in order to preserve them and deconstructing food systems for the benefit of all.

Renewal and longevity. The cycle of life. An interconnectedness of life and the fragility of ecosystems.
Human actions, much like removing seeds from a fruit, can disrupt these connections, leading to environmental imbalances, loss of biodiversity, and potentially altering the planet irreversibly.  

Unity, interconnection and bonds.
Heritage, strength and resilience.

The complex and hybrid nature of post-naturalism lies down in a context where nature, technology and humanity transcend boundaries and open up to new realms of exploration and understanding.
The relationship with food translates in the way we produce, consume and the connections we have with it.
Cooking traditions as resilient generative practice that could support the process of progression.

A bridge between nature and human creation, challenging perceptions and overcoming the conventional expectations associated with the symbols present in the image.


How diverse elements can come together to create something new, despite hierarchies or boundaries?  Embracing connections and unexpected interactions, as the ones that happen on the fungi and fermented worlds.





#2 Neurogastronomic Rewriting





Resonating about the visual aspect of food as a crucial element in this discussion, we questioning how taste is also a social construction.

Why do we crave food? Portraying the possibilities of tasting experiences based on the performance and the context, we released flavor as a mechanism of social engagement. An intricate connection between flavors, memories, emotions and encounters that shaped the way we look into a meal.  

Our relationship between food and our evolving understanding of humanity takes a fascinating turn when we think about the peculiar intersection of nature and innovation. Foodscapes have been witnessing the emergence of artificial intelligence in terms of creating new foods and recipes.

In the era where algorithms curate favours and the very notion of what constitutes food undergoes a transformation, are we prepared for the unpredictable outcomes that can arise from the combination of organic origins and technological progress?

Potatoes became a staple food in many cultures, changing the food system forever.
Like stones, potatoes share a parallel journey through the archives of human history, having its roots deeply embedded in the soil of time.
How would the world be without them?








#3 Towards a Metabolic Planetary Kitchen






Reimagining the food system:
The perceptions of what we eat and where it comes from are evolving. By reflecting about broader socio-economical, ethical and environmental issues, these transformations are marked by complex and controversial issues that surround food production, distribution and consumption. How can we navigate through these matters in order to create a future of access to nutritious, safe and culturally appropriated food?


Reflecting about the power of flavor in shaping identities and its impact on human existence: A very complex interplay between nature, culture and science, molding our perception and enjoyment of food. From natural origins to non-traditional practices, fravor born from sensory perceptions, memories, culinary experiences and scientific innovations. Which flavours are meaningful to you?


Kipping in mind the hidden links between living beings and their environments, the creation and use of honey represents complex and interdependent relationships. The metabolic activities of various organisms are interconnected, influencing and relying on each other. They exchange, produce, and consume, leading to wider ecological effects and cultural importance. As consumers of this resource, we participate in this network of relationships, emphasizing a close connection to a holistic ecosystem perspective.


Culturally, we often believe that we control all the structures around us. However, nature consistently reasserts itself, finding ways to resist and adapt.What do we consider natural? And through what lens do we view the biodiverse system of which we are a part?

The Wheel of Life: The cyclical and interconnected nature of existence and the dynamic relationship among various components of the food cycle. Maintaining balance in these food systems on a planetary scale is critical for sustainability and the welfare of all living beings. So, what steps can we take to nurture a balanced food cycle that benefits both the environment and humanity?