Ecosystems of Care: Marisa Benjamim

For this second exhibition, artist Marisa Benjamim is developing a site-specific installation and an edible artwork using plant varieties that have a detoxifying effect on the body and the earth.

In her work, Marisa Benjamim refers to the contamination of the soil in Ernst Thälmann Park by the gasworks that used to be located here.


Opening: 18 June 2025, 7 p.m. With a live performance by the band YELKA.

YELKA is a post-Kraut trio from Berlin, consisting of Christian Obermaier (drums), Yelka Wehmeier (vocals and bass) and Daniel Meteo (guitar).


Exhibition duration: 19 June to 19 July 2025
Location: Pförtnerhäuschen, Danziger Straße 101/103/105, 10405 Berlin
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 4–9 p.m.

Events:

Workshop: (Im)possible Loaves: 3 July 2025, 5 p.m. at Satellit
Edible installation: 4 July 2025, 5 p.m.
Workshop: Local plants and their uses: 11 July 2025, 5 p.m.


Curated by Helena Doppelbauer


(Im)possible Antidote by Marisa Benjamim
19 June – 19 July 2025
Opening: 18 June 2025, 7 p.m.

For the exhibition in the gatehouse, artist Marisa Benjamim is developing a site-specific installation and, in collaboration with the gardeners of the Stadtpflanzen collective, is creating an edible work of art for the neighbourhood. In a raised bed, they are growing plant varieties that have a detoxifying effect on the body and the earth. In her work, Marisa Benjamim refers to the contamination of the soil by the gasworks that used to be located here: the plants that grow on the site today are still contaminated and not suitable for consumption. Based on her research on local flora, site-specific ecological systems and the cultural significance of plants in the region, she develops various craft techniques, which she passes on to visitors in workshops.

Events:

Workshop: (Im)possible Loaves | 3 July 2025, 5 p.m. at Satellit

The workshop ‘(Im)possible Loaves’ invites visitors to literally internalise the contested history of Ernst Thälmann Park and stimulate a dialogue about the silent activism of nature. With the help of detoxifying herbs such as nettles, coriander and sunflowers, participants learn how to bake bread enriched with plants that can absorb cyanide and heavy metals. The result will be presented on 4 July as part of the edible installation at the gatehouse.




Edible installation | 4 July 2025, 5 p.m.

In a raised bed in the garden of the Kulturinsel behind the gatehouse, regenerative plant species such as sunflowers, nettles and mustard greens are being cultivated in collaboration with the Stadtpflanzen collective. For one evening, this small garden will be transformed into an installation where edible sculptures made from the healing plants can be tasted.


The artistic intervention makes it possible to experience the journey from seed to plate and shows the central importance of each individual plant growing there. In this way, the artist invites us to get to know the nature around us.


Workshop: Local plants and their uses | 11 July 2025, 5 p.m.

The workshop begins with a guided tour during which participants learn about native plants and their uses. The artist then demonstrates the healing properties of these plants using simple recipes for everyday use – for example, by preparing plant-enriched water or using them externally for body care. The workshop also includes an introduction to the pigment properties of plants: it shows how their natural colours can be used creatively and what health benefits they offer.