What can we learn from photosynthesis? In this workshop we want to explore ways to make the process of photosynthesis tangible and learn how it tastes. How is light being transformed into glucose in the process? How is sugar / energy being passed on within the ecosystem?
Inspired by Mississauga Nishnaabeg writer, musician, and academic Leanne Betasamosake Simpson I propose to think of land as pedagogy. We will hike to the outskirts of Antwerp, including its forests, wetlands, salt marshes and dunes. I think of hiking as a form of activism. In conversations and observations we will learn with and from each other and our surroundings, look at photosynthetic plants and the transformative processes, make sketches, collect ideas, plant specimens and images. We will read texts related to photosynthesis / endosymbioses, especially the texts by the evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis will be central. 
At the academy we will set up an experimental lab / kitchen, work with the material and ideas we collected on the land, look at the processes under the microscope and experiment with preparing wild food and sorbets from foraged plants.

Image credit: Wannes Cré, 2024