Prickly Pear Jam: a restorative that might turn

Research output: Non-textual formExhibition

Abstract

'Prickly Pear Jam: a restorative that might turn,' is a short piece of creative critical writing published in the book Shipping Roots: Plant Journeys Through Empire, Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh, 2023.

This collection, edited by Australian artist Keg De Souza brings together international scholars and writers from indigenous and critical race studies and environmental arts and humanities and including Bruce Pascoe, Brian Martin and Clare Coleman to reflect on the colonial legacy of plants. It was created as part of De Souza's exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Shipping Roots (24th March - 27 August 2023)

Short description

Shipping Roots: Plant Journey's through Empire explores plant movement around the world and the long-lasting impact of colonial exploitation and expansion. Providing a platform for unheard voices and highlighting the rights and knowledge of indigenous communities.

Artist and editor of the book Keg de Souza is joined by a host of eminent contributors and invites us to think deeply about the legacies of colonialism on the natural world through stories about the movement of eucalyptus, prickly pear and ‘wool shoddy aliens’, the seeds transported to the UK embedded in sheep fleeces during the time of Empire.

The book has been published to coincide with Keg de Souza’s first exhibition in Inverleith House at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 2023 which explores the complex relationships between plants, people and place.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Publication statusPublished - 24 Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Environmental Arts and Humanities
  • Plant Philosophy
  • Colonialism
  • Creative Writing
  • Performance Philosophy
  • Indigenous Studies

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