The Trans emerges at the peak of the debate over the Colombia-USA FTA regulations over food, patents and policies. It consists of a fruits and vegetables music band, a print series and informal pedagogical experiences that reflect on the subject of Genetically Modified Organisms in Colombia. The project invites local citizens to engage in a debate over the impact of the introduction of GMO food and seed patents in Colombia.
Papas R-12 takes place in one of most popular markets in downtown Bogota, "Plaza de Paloquemao". It tells the story of R-22cito, a local potato confronting the introduction of genetically modified and subsidized potatoes from the United States. The video piece addresses the local community to confront the effects of the FTA to their working conditions, domestic economy, cultural history and social life. R-22cito sings to popular music while depicting himself as a "tough guy" that can overcome the presence of any new potatoes in town. The images show part of the everyday life at Paloquemao, while the lyrics trigger ideas regarding the transformation of everyday life through the practices of massive production of the multinational food industries. Short after this video was recorded, a massive farmer strike took over the city of Bogota, in the search for fair conditions for their work to confront the new scenario brought upon them as a result of the Free Treaty Agreement.
