Jatropha curcas (or what my auntie calls the physic nut tree)
2022
Designed as both a sculpture and mobile exhibition, Jatropha curcas (or what my auntie calls the physic nut tree), tracks the plant’s evolution from Obeah spiritual and medicinal remedy, to colonial import, to Christian symbol, to “miracle” biofuel. The dinghy boat serves as the base for the piece, referencing the ships that carried these plants across the world. By utilizing natural history and botanical modes of display, the project references European colonization and collecting, while emphasizing what can’t be contained: the sound of my auntie’s voice (discussing her beliefs around Jatropha) and the plants themselves.
Dimensions: 8'x 4' x 6.5'
Jatropha curcas (or what my auntie calls the physic nut tree) has traveled to the Los Angeles Valley College in Van Nuys (Oct. 5th, 2022) and to Latinx with Plants in Boyle Heights (Oct. 22nd, 2022).
