Artist-in-residence Marina Lisa Komiya hosted an Open Studio showcasing Invasive Ale, a new beer brewing installation, developed during their twelve-week residency at Studio Voltaire.
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 due to 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 combined the histories of weeds, migrants, and queer communities, allowing them to ferment together to present alternative ways of thinking.
Opening times:
Wednesday 7–Friday 9 August 2024: 10 am–5 pm
Saturday 10 August 2024: 10 am–3 pm
Sunday 11 August 2024: 10–12 pm
Marina Lisa Komiya (b. 1992, Atlanta, US) is currently based in Tokyo, Japan. Komiya's focus is to explore new methods of reproduction through various mediums such as installation, project, biotechnology, performance, video and the management of spaces. All their works use their own body to practise queer time theory. They are also a host of a queer artists platform, "FAQ?".
Japan House London is a cultural centre for Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology in London. It is free and open to everyone and aims to create a forum for creative and intellectual exchange between Japan and the rest of the world.
Marina Lisa Komiya, Invasive Ale, 2024. Images courtesy of the artist.
