Asselin’s investigation continues with Monsanto’s role during the Vietnam War as one of the two major producers of the highly toxic defoliant Agent Orange, a herbicide that was used by U.S. military forces that has caused disabilities, genetic defects, cancer and leukemia in an estimated 3 million people.
Mathieu Asselin’s investigative reportage about the international biotechnology corporation Monsanto started in 2012 and his extensive research continued for over five years. Supported by hundreds of documents and photographs, Asselin unpicks the long history of Monsanto and its ruthless practices. Starting with the company’s activities in the United States of America, he charts the production of insecticides and the devastating ecological impact that these products had on towns and entire landscapes in the Midwest.
Asselin’s investigation continues with Monsanto’s role during the Vietnam War as one of the two major producers of the highly toxic defoliant Agent Orange, a herbicide that was used by U.S. military forces that has caused disabilities, genetic defects, cancer and leukemia in an estimated 3 million people. Furthermore he explores the company’s more recent diversification into genetically modified crops and the damaging tactics employed to encourage their use. Bringing together text and document, ephemera and photography, Asselin reveals the darkest sides of Monsanto’s history and also the complexities and layers of contemporary corporate activity.
Mathieu Asselin, Fotofestiwal 2018 ⓒ M.A. – Monsanto: A Photographic Investigation/exhibition produced by the Recontres d’Arles
Exhibition opening: 19:00, 21.06.2018
Place: Art_Inkubator / Building B1 / Galeria Fabryki Sztuki / Tymienieckiego 3 Street
