Hidden Waters follows the cycle of our waste water, documenting the journey of the hardy tomato seeds that survive and flourish along the way.
The tomato seeds we eat often survive the journey through our bodies and the even longer journey through our infrastructure to arrive at the sewage works. Too small to be physically screened out they end up in the cake mix or sewage sludge, a by-product of the waste-water. The cake, which is essentially a compost, often ends up on farms used as top soil. Whilst waiting for its final destination the tomato seeds, nestled in the cake start to grow, turning into fully fruiting tomato plants.
During the filming process I harvested a number of the tomatoes and had them analysed for heavy metals and pathogens. The results of which revealed the tomatoes were perfectly good to eat. I made a number of jars of Sheffield Shit Chutney which were consumed shortly after.
Two Screen Video Installation with sound (15 minutes looped).
Made during a residency in Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield
Sound: Alisdair McGregor
Additional Camera: Ian Nesbitt
Special thanks to Dr Alison Beck, Dr Jonathan Paragreen, Dr Caroline Evans, Gavin Sailor and Yorkshire Water
Thanks to all the researchers and staff in The Pennine Water Group
Funded by Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield and Arts Council England