Marina Lisa Komiya Open Studio: ‘Invasive Ale’

About

In their research, the artist considers the hierarchical binaries found in horticulture:

If a plant is considered desirable, it's a plant; if not, it's a weed. Fermentation follows the same pattern; fermentation is desirable, if not, it's rotten.

Komiya has explored the history and relationship between English horticultural practices and the eradication of weeds, finding parallels between the history of invasive weeds and migration to England.

Komiya researched Japanese Knotweed, a common plant in Japan that has historically been used as a herbal remedy for arthritis and is even used in local dishes in some regions. Despite being deliberately introduced in the UK in the 19th century, the plant is now considered invasive, through its tendency to outcompete native vegetation and damage existing ecosystems.

In their native east Asian environment, these invasive weeds are viewed as harmless, even useful. However, once removed from that context, they are given new meanings and must adopt new survival strategies.

Invasive Ale combines the histories of weeds, migrants, and queer communities, allowing them to ferment together to present alternative ways of thinking.