Human : Non-Human
(part of podoconiosis research) 2023

The series Human - Non Human conveys ideas of the porousness of the boundaries between the human body and non-human matter. This series of paper collages on board was inspired by thoughts about podoconiosis.

What happens in podoconiosis? When bare feet are exposed for prolonged periods to volcanic soils, micro-particles of silica and aluminum silicates penetrate the porous skin. Upon entering the skin tissue, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes, a reaction is triggered, causing fierce itching, inflammation, and blockage of lymph drainage. If not treated, oedema will develop, which may progress to lymphedema or elephantiasis (enlargement of limbs).

People affected by podoconiosis are often stigmatised and excluded from social activities. Agata’s Human - Non Human series of artworks investigates ideas of strength, from a starting point of living with the disease and enduring pain, to concepts such as 'turning into stone' and finally 'becoming stone'.