Cover An installation shot of the ‘All Tomorrows’ Harvest’ exhibition at the 6th International Rice Congress
An installation shot of the ‘All Tomorrows’ Harvest’ exhibition at the 6th International Rice Congress
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While science and agriculture are crucial to our survival, art conveys its message of wisdom to the people
While most would imagine that the realm of science is entirely separate from the arts, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the four recipients of the Art Seed Grant beg to differ. Science and agriculture make life possible, but the arts make life worth living.
Under the banner of collaboration and communication, All Tomorrows’ Harvest paints a promising picture of a food-secure future—despite the challenges of climate change.
More from Tatler: Delegates from around the world convene to discuss rice health and security at the International Rice Congress 2023
Martika Escobar’s documentary film
Above Martika Escobar
Martika Escobar
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A filmmaker-cinematographer who explores the relationship between a person and cinema, Martika Escobar’s documentary film in the exhibition portrays the speculative future of a food-sufficient Philippines.
As an artist, Escobar approached the film with curiosity. When interviewing farmers on how they imagined the state of the agriculture industry in 2060, they had difficulty imagining anything.
“I came into this project wanting to learn more about both neuroscience and farming. So this film is like a conversation between farmers and scientists from IRRI… I also realised that when I asked them about the obstacles they’re facing, they all have the same answers, ” Escobar shared.
More from Tatler: Martika Ramirez Escobar talks about Sundance and why trust is important in today’s independent film industry
Erwin Romulo’s timeline
Above Erwin Romulo
Erwin Romulo
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Despite a gloomy forecast, evidence suggests that we can advance—it’s only a matter of how we plan on doing that. So, for Romulo’s exhibition, he presents 100 years of the IRRI from 1960 to 2060—highlighting the significant events of the past while also taking a sci-fi turn in the not-too-distant future. While some future events may raise a few eyebrows—like the rice planting on the moon event in April 2060—Romulo insists that this imagined future is based on research. “If you go through the timeline, you should accept it as true. If not, if you disagree, you can prove me wrong,” said Romulo confidently.
In case you missed it: Museum Foundation of the Philippines Inc talks about the state of Philippine art and culture
Derek Tumala’s rice grain sculpture
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Above (Photo: Angela Nicole Guiral)
Derek Tumala
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Inspired by the work of Japanese artist and conservationist Mitsuaki Tanabe, Derek Tumala sculpted the staple of billions from layered papier mache.
“When we went to IRRI for research, we were looking for ideas and how to relate art with science. Then we saw this huge sculpture by Mitsuaki Tanabe, and I was very interested in that… I’m trying to decode what Mitsuaki Tanabe was trying to say with his work—like, why does he want to make a sculpture of wild rice? My understanding was that it was his way of giving importance to the origin of things,” said Tumala.
Jake Verzosa’s Photos and AI-generated images
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Jake Verzosa
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To explore the frontiers of the human condition, Verzosa curated images from IRRI’s film and photo archive, using AI and his creative photographic technique to develop a speculative archive documenting the road to Philippine food sufficiency.
“So I went through the IRRI archives, and it felt more intense from the ’60s and ’70s. From there, I was thinking what future archives would be like. So instead of putting some of my photographs, I wanted to try to imagine what these images would look like with AI images,” shared Verzosa on his creative process.
Read also: Jake Verzosa journeys from photography to impossible realities
Overall, the group exhibition shows hope for the future of agriculture and breaks the barrier between science and the arts. The two are no longer competing, instead enabling each other to touch minds and hearts on a larger scale.
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Credits
Photography: International Rice Research Institute
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
