“Compostable Altar: Offering to the earth” is a research project by resident artist Betiana Pavón.

The project began by identifying, collecting, and processing local organic waste, aiming to address current waste management issues with circular, sustainable solutions through artistic practice. During the residency, experimentation was key, focusing on exploring biomaterials’ structural potential and compostability. The composition and decomposition timeline of the materials emerged as a primary research area, with decomposition periods currently under analysis and documentation.

The project’s main output, The Altar, consists of biomaterial pieces compatible with the earth, fabricated via 3D printing using locally sourced organic waste. These materials, enriched with nutrients identified through previous soil analysis, transform the Altar into an offering that nourishes the earth as it decomposes. This decomposition symbolizes a harmonious cycle, where artistic creation directly contributes to new life. By blending sustainable materials and artistic expression, the project underscores the potential for symbiosis between art, ecology, and regenerative processes, inspiring a deeper reflection on human impact on the environment.