Liliana Merizalde

In what ways does nature inspire or inform your work?

I’ve always been obsessed with natural light and the indescribable beauty of plants, and my work is related to nature in many ways. First from a documentary point of view: I’m interested in environmental issues, sustainability, global warming, land issues, etc. But I’m also very interested in the direct and sometimes subtle relationship of the human being with nature, such as the unconscious way in which everything is connected, myths and stories and the ways in which certain communities and societies have preserved an awareness of the direct relationship between all our actions and all living beings, including the Earth. Also I’m constantly questioning the artificial systems in which we have been forced to live (sometimes forced ourselves), like narratives that take us away from nature, and also like the predominant economic system that disconnects us from what we really are and which is extremely pyramidal and patriarchal.

What does it mean to you to be part of a thriving ecosystem?

For me a thriving ecosystem is born from the awareness of understanding that everything is absolutely connected. That each of our actions affects the entire planet, other human beings, animals, everything that lives. Creating and nurturing interdependent relationships that oppose slavery, abuse, violence, and injustice, and from this point, building and individuality that works hand in hand with the whole.