Unforeseen, 2010

Super 8mm film and HD video, 3-minute loop. Installation dimensions variable. Exhibition at several venues, including the UN Global Summit for Climate Change, Copenhagen, and LACE, Los Angeles. A collaboration with Frances Whitehead and Steve Juras.

This cinematic endeavor meticulously chronicles the life and contributions of Lydia Rodinam, a pioneering plant geneticist of the early 20th century, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Siege of Leningrad by starving herself to death in a heroic effort to preserve invaluable seed specimens. The film, presented in a silent format, orchestrates a compelling dialogue between key figures in science, activism, and politics. Among these luminaries are Dr. Pamela Anderson, the esteemed director of the International Potato Center in Lima, Peru; Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist and recipient of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize; and Sarah James, a Gwich'in elder and activist.

By weaving together the narratives of these diverse yet interconnected women, the film aims to illuminate the intricate web of relationships that underpin their collective contributions to global scientific and socio-political landscapes. It serves as an incisive commentary on the often-unacknowledged interconnectivity between disciplines and geographies, highlighting the profound impact individual actions can have on a global scale. Moreover, the film interrogates the gendered dimensions of scientific and political labor, critiquing how women's contributions have historically been marginalized or erased.

The film pays homage to Lydia Rodinam's selfless preservation within a broader context of women's enduring struggles and achievements in the face of systemic challenges. It serves as a historical document and a contemporary critique, inviting viewers to engage critically with the complex interplay of gender, science, and politics in shaping our world.