Egregious
Images are printed on Amate Mexican bark paper which is traditionally used by shamans as ritual practices, often to encourage crop growth.
Abstract
Nicole Anne explores how fruits and vegetables have become egregious. She is concerned with the dangers of pesticides and genetically modified foods in our markets. In this body of work, she incorporates symbolism to communicate the fear of negative health effects, and the anxiety of selecting the foods we ingest. Drawing inspiration from her own distrust in markets that she feels while shopping, a disturbing interpretation of food emerges. Using produce, she relates to viewers who have dealt with similar negative feelings, while leaving behind a visual remembrance of some of the foods that are the worst to buy inorganically, for all to be aware. These images are derived from the distress that occurs to a health conscious person when deciding how and where to obtain their food.
Artists Statement
I want to be a simple human; living in my most natural form, free of chemicals and modified foods, but every trip to the grocery store causes mental strain on my psyche.
I want to feel free, to have choices, and knowledge about exactly what I put in my body.
I want to trust the packaging, the food labels, the farmers market vendor’s word, but is anyone checking up on them to guarantee their claims?
We have built a society where we don’t have to concentrate on our next meal, we are not people burdened with starvation, nor are we hunters and gatherers, which leaves us able to focus on other wonderful aspects of life! However, even though we have more food than we could ever need, I still find myself in a panic, scurrying throughout numerous stores and farmers markets in search of food that will be safe for my consumption.
I want to know what the ingredients are.
I want to believe the integrity of food is important to the seller.
When did having good health through food become so difficult?
And everyone thinks I’m crazy for being so concerned. I just want to be a simple human being, I don’t want to have to worry so much, but I do, and it drives me mad.
All Images: Archival Inkjet print on Handmade Amate Mexican Bark paper with acrylic paint and varnish, 2015.
