gobyfish collective were invited to be artists-in-residence at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Luxembourg, MUDAM, as part of the 'Collective Laboratory’ series. Six different performance and publishing collectives were invited to take over the upper galleries for two weeks at a time, using them as open studios to research, experiment and prepare for a final performance.   

During gobyfish collective’s two week residency, they researched around the themes of death, decay and rebirth through the lens of food, ancient preservation practices and ritual offerings. Attempting to zoom into all things that are rotting at this moment in time, they expanded outwards into worlds that are literally crumbling, while also attuning themselves into letting go, in contemplating the multiple deaths and layers we all shed everyday.

With this research in mind, gobyfish wanted to prompt questions that asked: what is revealed when we shed old skins? When the old becomes new, fertile and prosperous once again, what can be imagined and birthed anew?

Their final performance focused on the symbolism of the Yew Tree as it was understood in Druid mythology. This tree,  with historical associations to death and rebirth, embodies the many polarities of the life cycle. Poison in its toxic, psychedelic sap which was used in shamanic practices to ‘enter’ other realms. Magic, in its power to renew itself, and medicine in the anti-cancer properties found in the baby shoots of its leaves. The final menu was designed drawing inspiration from these symbolic motifs.  

All graphic elements designed by Maia Magoga.
Curated by Clementine Proby and Line Jan. Kitchen provided by Soft Power. Outfit design Daniel Haworth. Final event in collaboration with Moi Les Autres. With thanks to co-labor for their homegrown produce.