LECTURE | Jörg Niewöhner - Toxic Fruits of Progress: Benefits and Risks of Herbs in the Post-Industrial Age
Herbs have been part of medical practice for centuries. But how can they be used in an era when they grow in landscapes permeated by “toxic cocktails”? Although hazardous substances such as pesticide residues, microplastics, or so-called “forever chemicals” may not occur in the environment or products in quantities exceeding permissible limits, evidence is growing that even combinations of smaller amounts can have harmful effects.
The event will create a space for experts and the general public to meet and reflect on how to work with plants that can absorb certain risky substances yet have the potential to contribute to the healing of human bodies or soils under Anthropocene conditions.
In the first half of the evening, anthropologist Jörg Niewöhner will present the project Knowledge after Progress, which focuses on studying life in late industrialism and on identifying sustainable practices applicable across science, industry, and regulatory frameworks.
The second part will introduce photographs and texts created by members of the herbalist community who were invited to produce both images and personal commentaries on scenes capturing places they consider safe for collecting and cultivating herbs, as well as places they perceive as risky due to the possible presence of harmful substances.
The photographs and commentaries will be presented during the event, accompanied by other artistic interpretations. This installation will serve as the basis for an open discussion between the guests and the audience. The panel discussion will explore the possibilities and limits of using medicinal plants, taking into account the presence of both beneficial and undesirable substances that may be found in plant organisms.
