Sustain - Healthy Poison - Karl Mancini

Auckland Festival of Photography is proud to present Karl Mancini’s ‘Healthy Poison’ exhibition as part of the 'Sustain’ [Tautīnei] theme - in partnership with the Indian Photo Festival 2024 open call programme.

The beaches of Thailand are crowded with fishermen who head towards the sea at dawn in search of jellyfish. Nets are cast, catching thousands of these creatures, and the price is high. But jellyfish fishing has a significant environmental impact. Overfishing threatens marine ecosystems and jellyfish populations, and nets often catch other marine species as well. Jellyfish are a rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Their high collagen content makes them desirable for skin and joints. They are served in various forms, from salads to main dishes. Their neutral flavor makes them versatile in the kitchen. Thai jellyfish are finding their way to Asian and US markets, driving a growing industry.

As the world embraces jellyfish as a superfood, the human and environmental cost becomes increasingly clear. The sector is plagued by issues of sustainability and worker exploitation, while marine ecosystems suffer under the weight of intensive fishing. The search for nutritious foods must not come at an unacceptable cost to the environment and the people involved in the supply chain. The future of jellyfish as a superfood lies in the balance between nutritional benefits and environmental and social responsibilities. Only then can we truly call them "Healthy Poison.”

"Actually, the work in Thailand on jellyfish, is the first chapter of a new production of the work on the human and environmental cost of superfood monocultures, food sustainability and its connection with environmental neocolonialism. In South America I produced 4 chapters: Acai in Brazil, Soja in Argentina, Quinoa in Bolivia and Avocado in Chile and currently I'm producing more stories in Suriname, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. This first part was produced in collaboration with the Pulitzer center and will also soon become a book" - Karl Mancini

This exhibition was shown at the Indian Photo Festival in Hyderabad, in 2024. 

Untitled 1 - Healthy Poison

Untitled 2 - Healthy Poison

Untitled 3 - Healthy Poison