Abstract patterns and colors with potatoes
by James Brunker
Title
Abstract patterns and colors with potatoes
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A detail of varieties of potatoes spread out on the ground to make chuno or freeze dried potatoes, a common technique that has been used since ancient times in the central Andes to preserve potatoes for storage. The tubers are left outside in the middle of the winter dry season after harvest for 2-3 weeks. The combination of very strong high altitude sun, low humidity and bitterly cold nights gradually removes all moisture from the potatoes, meaning they can be stored for years. This image was taken at La Cumbre, the high pass where a main road crosses the Andes above La Paz, Bolivia and a popular area for making chuno.
Potatoes are native to the central Andes and Lake Titicaca area of Peru and Bolivia and were domesticated thousands of years ago. Over 4000 different types have been recorded in the region, there are a remarkable range of colors, sizes and shapes. I loved the way these ones had been neatly arranged by type, making a great patchwork of abstract shapes and curved lines, very photogenic and fun to play with!
Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or publication in any form without written permission strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
February 9th, 2022
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