Colombia, ranking as the second most biodiverse country on Earth, offers an immense biological richness. In Bogotá’s Paloquemao market, the tropical climate ensures a year-round influx of ingredients, creating a sensory overload of colors and textures that locals often take for granted.
The project posits that the familiar has become invisible; people rarely pause to truly observe or taste the abundance around them. Therefore, the act of observation becomes unconventional. The work encourages a deeper consciousness regarding consumption—acknowledging not just the ingredients, but the origins, traditions, and human labor embedded in every meal.
The resulting photobook, “Substance and Libation,” weaves together sketches and reflections on Colombian gastronomy. It recontextualizes food, objects, and spaces to reveal the authentic narratives and cultural strengths that define the country, bringing hidden stories to the table.