Leaf of Life
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Leaf of Life

Ilana Harris-Babou 
2022, 17:41 minutes, color, stereo, HD video

Description

In Leaf of Life, Harris-Babou imagines an alternate reality where the tropes of wellness culture are disrupted by the healing potential of Black self-determination. The artist takes inspiration from conspiracy theories, diet gurus, and biblical quotes, among others. The video combines reflection on the legacy of Dr. Sebi, a Honduran health guru with a significant following of Black Americans, with DIY home cooking tutorial footage and interview-style conversation with the artist’s sister, who works as a nurse. The work combines fiction with personal and shared stories of loss and neglect in the US healthcare system.