In Part 2 of this interview with Vivien Sansour she reflects on her travels in Guatemala and why she feels such a profound connection to the country and the indigenous Mayan people. Vivien explains some of the primary causes of emigration, including the US and Israeli foreign policy violence in Guatemala, and how many of the same techniques were used in Palestine. She then reflects on her love of Mexico and the powerful inspiration she received from her time in Chiapas. Vivien then opens up about her decision to move back to Palestine, re-connect with Palestinian agriculture, and ultimately to found the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library. From there she explains how she eventually merged agriculture with art and began presenting exhibits around the world, including at the Chicago Architecture Biennale. Vivien then reflects on the time she spent with Anthony Bourdain in Palestine, the impact he had on her and other Palestinians while he was there, and the global significance of that episode and of his work overall. She then offers suggestions for how people can be better allies to the Palestinians, and shares educational resources where people can go to learn more. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: www.TheMaverickShow.com
Episode #139: Anthony Bourdain in Palestine, Merging Art and Agriculture, and How to Be an Ally to the Palestinian Struggle with Vivien Sansour
Episode Summary
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About the Guest
Vivien Sansour
Vivien Sansour is a Palestinian artist, storyteller, conservationist and global vagabond. She uses image, sketch, film, soil, seeds, and plants to enliven old cultural tales in contemporary presentations and to advocate for seed conservation and the protection of agrobiodiversity as a cultural and political act. Vivien founded the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library in 2014 as part of this work with local Palestinian farmers, and her work has been showcased internationally, including at the Chicago Architecture Biennale, V&A Museum in London, and the Venice Art Biennale. Vivien is a culinary historian, enthusiastic cook, and works to bring threatened varieties “back to the dinner table to become part of our living culture rather than a relic of the past”. This work has led her to collaborate with award winning chefs, including Anthony Bourdain and Sammi Tamimi. She has a MA in Anthropology and is currently a fellow at the Harvard University.
What You'll Learn
- Vivien’s Reflections on spending time with Anthony Bourdain and the impact of his trip to Palestine
- Causes of emigration in South and Central America including U.S. and Israeli foreign policy violence
- How to learn more about Palestine and be an ally to the Palestinian struggle
Links From the Episode
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LEARN MORE ABOUT VIVIEN (AND HOW TO SUPPORT HER WORK WITH THE PALESTINE HEIRLOOM
SEED LIBRARY)
WATCH VIVIEN’S DOCUMENTARY FILM FOR FREE
READ VIVIEN’S ARTICLE
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE WHEN ANTHONY BOURDAIN CAME TO PALESTINE
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 OF “PARTS UNKNOWN” (Or Stream on HBO Max)
VIVIEN’S RECOMMENDED RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PALESTINIAN STRUGGLE
- Just Vision
- Palestinian Activists to Follow on Instagram
- Palestinian Filmmakers to Watch
- Israeli Products to Boycott in Your Country (in Solidarity with the Palestinian BDS Campaign)
LOCATION WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
WINE CONSUMED IN THIS EPISODE
#1 BOOKS VIVIEN RECOMMENDS
#1 PERSON WITH WHOM VIVIEN MOST WANTS TO HAVE DINNER
TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
TOP 3 BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS
OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Argentina
- Bethlehem, Palestine
- California
- Central America
- Chicago
- Chile
- Columbia
- Cuba
- Europe
- Greenville, North Carolina
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Jerusalem
- Jamaica
- Los Angeles
- Michigan
- Chiapas, Mexico
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- South Africa
- South America
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican
CONTACT AND FOLLOW VIVIEN
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[2:17] Vivien’s Reflections on Her Time in Guatemala
[5:55] U.S. and Israeli Foreign Policy Violence in Latin America and Causes of Emigration
[11:16] Vivien’s Reflections on Her Time in Chiapas, Mexico
[17:44] Vivien’s Reflections on Her Move Back to Palestine
[23:19] Vivien’s Journey Merging Agriculture with Art
[27:30] Vivien’s Exhibit at the Chicago Architectural Biennale
[30:42] What Cooking Means to Vivien
[33:32] Vivien’s Reflections on Her Time Spent with Anthony Bourdain in Palestine
[42:42] Reflections on Anthony Bourdain’s Passing
[45:03] How People Can Be Better Allies to the Palestinians
[50:48] Resources to Learn More About Palestine
[53:08] The Lightning Round
[56:17] How to Contact Vivien and Support the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library
