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Liz Ebengo

Liz Ebengo

Elizabeth Ebengo is a narrative designer and material researcher currently based in London. With an academic background in International Humanitarian and Criminal Law from Leiden University in The Hague, Elizabeth realized that policy and legislation alone could not adequately provide security for the vulnerable communities she worked with. It was through intentional and empathetic design that she found tangible and sustainable solutions for protection and security. Elizabeth's artistic practice is rooted in empathy and a dedication to making a meaningful impact. By merging her background in law with intentional design, she aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, translating theoretical concepts into practical solutions that enhance the lives of the most vulnerable individuals. As a narrative designer and material researcher, the mission found throughout her work is driven by telling impactful stories that compel others to fight for justice.
Elizabeth Ebengo is a narrative designer and material researcher currently based in London. With an ...

Exploring the potential of DNA Storage for the preservation of cultural heritage amid the climate crisis.

Tragedies are etched into our memories, some that we choose to forget, and others too catastrophic to ignore.  

Climate policy and legislation often fail to engage with the urgency of protecting the values, places, and lived experiences of those affected. Low-lying areas will be submerged underwater, other regions turned into dust, and arguably the gravest tragedy of all will be the gradual loss of the rich and diverse flavours that make humanity so unique – our culture.  

CONTINUED examines the sociocultural cost of adapting to climate change and our complicity in cultural erosion. Utilising the capabilities of DNA storage to encrypt a library of sound and film all in one seed means stories that would be forgotten will be remembered. 

Final work

A black banana seed. Within the seed is the song of one of the last female cultivators of this banana from the Island of Vanuatu

THE ENCODED MUSA BALBISIANA SEED WITH THE SONG

In my project, I aimed to capture the culture of Vanuatu through a special artifact representing the island's women, their vibrant food, materials, and sounds. During my research, I discovered the tale of one of the last female cultivator of Musa Balbisiana, a type of wild banana with seeds, on the remote Island of Épi. She embodied perseverance and custodianship by nurturing the rare plant. Her melodic compositions echoed the spirit of the land. Immortalizing her song in the DNA of the very plant she cultivates is not only a tribute to the resilient spirit, vibrant heritage, and unique contributions of Épi's women, but also a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of Vanuatu.

The absence of legislation legally obligating states to safeguard cultures in the face of the climate crisis is a concerning reality. Furthermore, existing migration policies leave the protection of the women's cultural heritage vulnerable.

Image Credits: Tom Manion 

An image of a hand pouring DNA into a tiny test tube.

STAGES OF ENCODING THE SONG INTO DNA

Image Credits: Tom Manion 

An image of Liz behind a microscope

STAGES OF ENCODING THE SONG INTO DNA

Image Credits: Tom Manion 

Research and process

An image of a banana with seeds

MUSA BALBISIANA

Bananas have been found in Vanuatu for centuries. Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific and is home to various banana species. Bananas are believed to have been introduced to Vanuatu by early Austronesian settlers who arrived in the region around 3,000 years ago. These settlers brought with them the knowledge and cultivation techniques for growing bananas.

Bananas have since become an essential part of the local diet and economy in Vanuatu. They are grown throughout the islands and are a significant agricultural product. The fertile volcanic soils and tropical climate of Vanuatu provide ideal conditions for banana cultivation.

It's important to note that bananas are not native to Vanuatu but were introduced by human settlers. The cultivation and consumption of bananas have a long history in the region, contributing to the cultural and culinary traditions of Vanuatu.

Image Credits: Andrea Monica D. Ortiz

An image of a Ni-Vanuatu woman tearing a banana leaf apart.

The intersection of women, migration, and the loss of culture serves as a focal point in this project. By exploring the experiences of women who will undergo migration as an act of adaptation to climate change, I delve into the profound impact it has on their cultural identities. The process of migration often entails leaving behind familiar traditions, practices, and social structures, leading to a significant loss of cultural heritage. Through this lens, I aim to shed light on the complex dynamics between women, migration, and the subsequent erosion of their cultural roots.

Open-source investigative techniques were employed to meticulously search the internet for evidence showcasing the loss of culture in Vanuatu. These techniques proved invaluable in unearthing the story of the central figure, a woman who holds a pivotal role in this project. By leveraging open-source methods, I was able to piece together fragments of information from various online sources, shedding light on the narrative surrounding her and the cultural heritage being eroded in Vanuatu. 

(This woman in the image is not the woman central to the narrative, she has chosen to remain anonymous)

Image Credit: Cavan Images

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Liz Ebengo

Exploring the potential of DNA Storage for the preservation of cultural heritage amid the climate crisis.Tragedies are etched into our memories, some that we choose to forget, and others too catastrophic to ignore. &...

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