46/130 — Ronny Jäger
wilD & artig
Back to the Roots – An Attempt to Transform Shoots from the Past into Fresh Wilderness
Idea — Since our beginnings, humankind has generated knowledge. Knowledge emerges, is modified, replaced, disappears. I wonder why some of the knowledge still available is not used in a wider social context. I explore this phenomenon through the example of edible wild plants. I intend to put my findings into a media format which presents this once elementary kind of knowledge, makes reference to the current situation, and, as a consequence, makes people think. Context — My work is all about rediscovering, visualizing and transferring fading knowledge. I want to draw attention to some circumstances in society and initiate a change of mind. Content — When I started working on the project I wanted to make my newly blossoming fascination for edible wild plants palatable to the general public. While I was doing research I realized that there is much more in this than just wild plants: the history of humankind, the conquest of new worlds, and the ongoing globalization play a role here. To go one step further, I made several drafts of transfer methods I would use. Elementary knowledge should not only be used in times of crisis, but also in times of stability. Wild plants have that potential because they attract our attention with their shapes, smells, and flavors. Once picked and processed they provide a wonderful meal for us. Talks with experts on wild plants confirmed what I already knew: wild plants yield
opportunities to talk about social topics. Apart from these topics, which represent a major part of my work, I intend to give a face to the best-known edible wild plants. We are all familiar with the dandelion; and the stinging nettle is also well-known.
Coaches Internal: Anka Semmig External: Marta Lago Arenas Team & Credits My sincere thanks for their appreciation and sup-
Product — The product of my project is a freely accessible digital publication about edible wild plants and questions about society. The publication conveys knowledge in a pictorial and emotional way and tries to initiate viewers into the world of wild plants. Upstream — Our eating habits and the ways we deal with food are strongly influenced by the processes of globalization. Through my project I create awareness of knowledge cultures which are endangered and about to vanish when global markets develop; and I raise critical questions about the ongoing development in this field.
port go to: Catherine Walthard, Gisula Tscharner, Oskar Marti, Lea Baltisberger, Julia Geiser, Simon Burkhalter, Adrian Demleitner, Fabian Zaehner, Fabian Frei, Anna Studer, Brigitte Krumhaar, and Ralf Neubauer.
Contact Ronny Jäger Gasstrasse 48 4056 Basel ronny.jaeger@hyperwerk.ch wildundartig.ch