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2023 EDITION

Cultured Harvest: The Birth of New Meat

Story by Alain Moreau




Cultured Harvest: The Birth of New Meat



In "Cultured Harvest: The Birth of New Meat," French photographer Alain Moreau explores the future of food through the lens of cellular agriculture, probing the science, ethics, and implications of lab-grown meat. This groundbreaking photojournalism project delves into the complex narrative of lab-to-table food, presenting an intimate and honest look into an industry revolutionizing the way we understand meat consumption.

Moreau's work acts as a visual liaison between cutting-edge science and the layperson, demystifying the process of producing meat without the slaughter of animals. He navigates the viewer through sterile labs where muscle cells transform into tangible tissues, to the elegant dishes presented at the world's first cultured meat restaurants. A common thread throughout his project is the theme of life—its beginnings, transformations, and consumptions.

Cultured meat, also known as lab-grown meat, is a field often shrouded in controversy and misunderstandings. Through his meticulous attention to detail, Moreau offers a broad perspective on a topic that has the potential to shape our dietary future—drastically reducing animal suffering, environmental degradation, and health risks associated with traditional meat production.

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Alain Moreau

About the photographer

Alain Moreau, a Paris-born visual artist and photojournalist, has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary photography with a particular focus on environmental and societal issues. Raised by a family of French chefs and food connoisseurs, Moreau developed a fascination for the art of cooking and its larger connection to the world. However, it was the film camera he received for his tenth birthday that transformed his life, opening a new avenue of expression that merged his love for food, art, and storytelling.

Moreau pursued his passion for photography at the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie in Arles, France. Upon graduation, he traveled extensively, documenting cultures through their culinary practices and the impact of food on society. These expeditions offered a global perspective on the diversity of food habits and sparked his interest in the future of food.

His breakthrough project, "Nourishing the Nine Billion," was an exploration of the challenges and innovations in feeding a rapidly growing global population. Moreau's work was celebrated for its evocative imagery and deep insights into the complexities of food security, making him a prominent figure in international photojournalism.

In 2022, Moreau shifted his focus to the cutting-edge field of lab-grown meat, a controversial and revolutionary innovation in food technology. His unique blend of scientific intrigue and humanistic storytelling made him a perfect candidate to delve into this complex world. His ongoing project, "Cultured Harvest: The Birth of New Meat," is a testament to his commitment to unveiling the intersection of food, science, ethics, and the environment.

Moreau's work has been recognized by numerous international organizations. He has received the World Press Photo award and has been a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Despite his international acclaim, Moreau maintains a humble demeanor, insisting that his role is not to judge or prescribe solutions but to bring hidden issues into the limelight.

An activist at heart, Moreau is driven by a deep desire to promote sustainable and ethical practices in the food industry. He uses his platform to encourage dialogue and debate, striving to foster a more informed, empathetic, and responsible global community. His work is both a reflection of the evolving world around us and a call to action to shape the future we want to live in.



Photos in this series

Vat of Life: A wide-angle shot captures a matrix of sterile bioreactors glowing in a hushed lab, filled with nutrient-rich broth that hosts the birth of muscle cells. Soft, neon-blue lighting bathes the scene, adding a clinical yet strangely life-affirming touch to this nascent stage of lab-grown meat. Cellular Tapestry: Through macro photography, a mesmerizing close-up of maturing muscle cells reveals a landscape reminiscent of rolling hills and valleys. The cells are depicted in an array of vibrant hues, highlighting the cellular complexity inherent in creating this new form of meat. The Hand of Creation: In a high-contrast, black-and-white image, a scientist's gloved hand delicately holds a petri dish. In it, a small piece of meat is visible – a testament to human innovation and a poignant symbol of life created outside the confines of an animal body. Harvest of the New Age: A series of meat samples, varying in size, texture, and color, are arrayed in an assembly line. The perspective draws the eye through the stages of maturity, a visual narrative of the evolution from cell to meat, under the even, revealing light of a photographic softbox. The Chef’s Alchemy: In a dynamic, warm-lit kitchen, a chef attentively plates the lab-grown meat. Moreau utilizes a shallow depth of field to focus on the chef's hands, portraying the tender care and culinary artistry that transforms the scientific wonder into a gastronomic delight. Feast of the Future: The final photograph is a well-lit, sumptuous spread on a dining table featuring dishes made from lab-grown meat. The meal