In this episode of the Tasmeem Doha podcast, artist Mirna Bamieh takes us around the world of fermentation and preservation, expanding on what participants of her workshop “Sour Things” learn. Bamieh explains the symbolism and role of fermentation in bringing attention to pressing world matters, and her fascination for the delicate balance between decay and “liveness”. We discuss her work through Palestine Hosting Society, saving Palestinian recipes and their stories, and the precious food practices that they represent. Finally, we think about the disappearance of the pantry in our homes and the simple power of creating space as a form of resistance.
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Fascination with Fermentation
4:40 How Fermentation Works
7:07 Disappearance of the Pantry
10:55 “Sour Things” Workshop & “To Jar” Film
16:42 Impact of the Workshop
20:28 Food & Storytelling
25:53 Cultural Preservation
31:03 Changing Relationship to the Pantry
33:25 Bitter Things & Palestine Hosting Society
39:45 Creating Space as Resistance
Mirna Bamieh is an artist whose work explores the politics of disappearance and memory production by unpacking the social concerns and limitations of Palestinian communities amid contemporary political dilemmas. Bamieh’s work since 2019 has focused on the process of fermentation. Using her degree in culinary arts, she brings storytelling and food together through her live art food project Palestine Hosting Society.
Connect with Mirna Bamieh on Instagram
You can join Sour Things: The Workshop on March 3rd or 4th at Tasmeem Doha 2024
Tasmeem Doha is a biennial international conference that focuses on unique and contemporary themes in art and design. For 2024, the theme of the event is “Under Construction”, which is both a metaphor for creative research as well as a celebration and investigation of transformation. It is also a state that Doha has found itself in for decades: a transformation that has presented an outsized impact on the residents of the city.
Under Construction will also explore the past, present and future of VCUarts Qatar’s flagship event Tasmeem Doha. As part of the 25th anniversary of VCUart Qatar’s campus in Doha, the event will bring together voices from the past, present and future of various disciplines involved in this cycle of rethinking and remaking.
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani
Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
More about The Tasmeem Doha Podcast
