National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taichung

In 2024, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMoFA) hosted the Right Where It Belongs exhibition, a major annual event exploring the intersection of science, technology, and art. The exhibition brought together local and international artists, each presenting work that examined human consciousness and our evolving relationship with nature in an era of rapid scientific advancement.

Among the featured projects was the Museum of Edible Earth by Dr. masharu, which delves into geophagy – the practice of earth eating. The exhibition showcased more than 1000 earth samples and explored how earth consumption connects biotechnology, historical memory and artificial intelligence. It allowed the visitors to explore the depth of the relationship between humans, technology, land and nature.

As part of the exhibition, a collaborative workshop was held where Professor Wen-Te Chang, director of the Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine at China Medical University and deputy of the Lifu Museum of Chinese Medicine, provided insights into the pharmacological properties of earth minerals.

A crossover dialogue unfolded between the two earth eaters during the workshop. While Dr. masharu placed their main focus on creating experimental sensory journeys with earth samples collected around the world, Prof. Wen-Te Chang undoubtedly offered a refreshing overview of earth’s medical potential, adding a flavor of Asian locality to the global practice of geophagy.

This fusion of art, science, and medicine embodied the essence of Right Where It Belongs, illustrating how human understanding adapts to shifting cultural and technological landscapes. By engaging the senses and exchanging knowledge, the event invited visitors to explore their deep connection with the earth while reflecting on how this relationship evolves in an era of rapid change.

More information: Right Where It Belongs_National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts